Libya's rival factions agree to form unity government

Libya's warring factions have signed a UN-sponsored deal to form a unity government, and bring peace to the war-ravaged country.

Supporters of the agreement hope that rival political factions and militias will embrace the deal and agree on a ceasefire, so that they can fend off the Islamic State group, which is expanding its gains in the country.

Libya slid into chaos following the 2011 revolution, which led to the toppling and killing of dictator Moammar Gaddafi.

Since then, it has been torn between an internationally recognised government, based in the Tobruk, and an Islamist-backed government in the capital, Tripoli.

Both face the threat of IS militants, which have made a base on the country's Mediterranean coast.

But the agreement, signed in Morocco on Thursday, has attracted criticism from both side.

The detractors are looking for a separate deal without U.N. involvement.