The ISIL terrorist group has reportedly slain five troops loyal to Libya’s internationally-recognized government in the country’s east.

The fatalities were caused on Friday after the attack, which was carried out against a checkpoint, the state Libyan News Agency reported.

A military source told the agency that the attack was waged by the Libyan branch of the ISIL and that "18 other soldiers” went missing after the offensive.

The source added that the targeted checkpoint was "located on the desert road between the two cities of Ajdabiya and Tobruk" in eastern Libya.

Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising against the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.

The country now has two parliaments and governments vying for power as a slew of armed groups battle for control of its oil wealth.

The ISIL, which has overrun huge swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, has been taking advantage of the divisions in Libya to secure itself a foothold in the country.