Medics, local police and city officials reported that an explosion struck a checkpoint in the southern Libyan city of Sebha on Sunday, claiming at least two lives including a top police officer.

The blast was caused by a suicide bomber who detonated a car bomb, said a security source in Sebha.

Late on Sunday, the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, and said one of its militants stormed the checkpoint using an explosive-laden car.

The country has suffered a decade of violence and havoc since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted the then head of state Muammar Gaddafi, but its 2 main warring sides this year consented to a new cabinet.

The installation of a unified administration and the push for national elections in December are considered as the best hope in years for a lasting political solution, but the process is still riddled with challenges.

Most territory in Libya is still under the control of local armed groups, major outside powers have not pulled foreign fighters from the front lines, and key figures disagree on the management of the country’s economic resources.