Libyan soldiers watch black smoke rising from Benghazi port during clashes with Islamist gunmen on December 23, 2014.

ISIS gunmen on Monday killed three Libyan pro-government soldiers and wounded four others in an attack outside the eastern city of Benghazi, LANA news agency reported.

“Three soldiers were killed and four wounded in a dawn attack carried out by terrorists linked to the Libyan branch of the Islamic State group,” said Lana, citing a military source.

ISIS itself tweeted that its militants seized a tank and two military vehicles in the attack.

Libya, which descended into lawlessness after long-time ruler Muammar Qaddhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011, has two parliaments and two governments vying for control of the country.

Increasing violence

LANA, which is linked to the internationally recognized government, cited the source as saying that the gunmen struck an army position about eight kilometres south of Benghazi.

The area where the attack took place has since Saturday been the scene of “fierce clashes between military forces and terrorist groups during which heavy and medium-sized weapons were used,” it added.

Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 revolution, has been the site of regular fighting between forces loyal to the government and armed groups for more than a year.