AhlulBayt News Agency - Libya's unity government has warned that Islamic State militants, who established a stronghold in the town of Sirte on the Mediterranean coast in 2015, could take over two-thirds of the country.
In recent days EU ministers have visited Libya to back the new government.
UK could deploy up to 1,000 troops to Libya in bid to fight growing ISIS
UK Defence chiefs will pave the way for British military intervention in Libya during high-level talks in Europe in the coming days.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Stringer will fly to Rome to tell commanders the UK could deploy up to 1,000 troops to the war-ravaged country to help defeat the so-called Islamic State (IS).
They would be part of a 6,000 strong, Italian-led force trying to bring order to the chaos that has reigned in Libya since European nations, including Britain, helped overthrow Colonel Gaddafi in 2011.
They could be deployed on the ground to protect key buildings, such as hospitals, banks and even the port, although officials insisted they would not be in a combat role.
A defence source said: 'It is not clear yet whether this would be behind the wire or not'. This means they could be deployed to hostile areas.
He said they had 'not ruled out' the option of putting troops in the cities in a security-protection role.
Around 100 British special forces troops are already in Libya helping to protect its current leadership and advising local forces on fighting the increasing IS presence in the country.
But there have been growing signs in recent weeks that Nato is gearing up for a much larger intervention in Libya. British and American intelligence offivers are reportedly giving tribal leaders 'suitcases of cash' to stop them opposing an international ground force.
The upcoming meeting in Rome comes as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond travel to Luxembourg today (Monday) to discuss 'beefing up' Europe's military response to the migrant crisis.
They will discuss increasing Europe's naval presence off the Libyan coast as part of Operation Sophia - against people smugglers - and are also expected to discuss sending security units to Tripoli.
Other missions in the works include bombing ISIS fighters, training Libyan troops, combating people smugglers and disarming militias - all of which could include British forces.
An MOD spokesperson said: 'The UK continues to work with international partners on how best to support the new Libyan government.
'All planning has been focussed on training Libyan Security Forces to provide their own security to the Government and Libyan people.
'No decisions have been made about the future deployment of any British military forces.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3544716/UK-deploy-1-000-troops-Libya-bid-fight-growing-ISIS-threat-migrant-smuggling-crisis.html#ixzz46AQwSXyf
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Monday
18 April 2016
9:09:02 AM
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ISIS 'could control two thirds of Libya', UK could deploy up to 1,000 troops to fight growing Daesh threat
Libya's unity government has warned that Islamic State militants, who established a stronghold in the town of Sirte on the Mediterranean coast in 2015, could take over two-thirds of the country.