Countries fighting ISIL have been discussing ways to prevent the extremist group from gaining control in resource-rich Libya.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called for more external military assistance from the his country, as well as European and Arab partners, to help Libya’s military create a safe environment for the government to stand up and operate.
Libya still does not have a functional central government, with the latest attempt to forge a government of national unity appearing to be faltering. Officials from 23 countries are in Rome to review the fight against ISIL militants, which is exploiting the power vacuum in Libya.
The Jihadist militant group has been particularly active in the late Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte. Up to 3,000 fighters are now believed to have joined the terror group in the last one year alone. Officials say a majority of these fighters, are non Libyans.
Fighters are lured with up to 1,000 USD, which is a substantial amount to people, who barely survive on a dollar a day.
While Libyan officials admit they are overwhelmed…They fear any western assistance in fighting the group could worsen their situation.
6,000 British, and Italian troops are to be deployed in a training role, and the U.S. is believed to be contemplating direct military airstrikes on ISIL targets in Libya.
