Italy FM proposes ‘anti-terrorist strikes’ in Libya
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni has proposed “targeted anti-terrorist strikes” against militants in coastal areas of Libya in a bid to halt ISIL gains and to reduce the massive influx of refugees arriving at Europe’s Mediterranean coasts.
In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the Italian minister said targeted strikes could be part of the solution against ISIL-controlled areas along the Libyan coast.
“We don’t have months and months [to sort this out]. The double risk of the advance of the [ISIL] group in Libya and the waves of migrants means we are in a race against the clock,” said Gentiloni, adding, “We need to take care of this emergency not as a single country, but as a union.”
Gentiloni also called for a stronger cooperation among regional partners so that the refugees fleeing the violence in Libya “can be welcomed in neighboring countries.”
In this handout video grab released by the Italian Coastguard (Guardia Costiera), migrants are seen arriving in the Italian port of Lampedusa off the coast of Sicily, April 5, 2015. © AFP
The comments come as hundreds of refugees died this week while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to European shores.
On April 12, 400 migrants perished after their vessel capsized off the Libyan coast.
There has been a recent influx of migrants trying to cross the sea amid the rising threat of the ISIL Takfiri terrorist group in Libya
The terrorist group, which controls some regions in Iraq and Syria, has recently launched operations in Libya.
In February, the Takfiri group also released a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya. The victims had reportedly been abducted in Libya's northern coastal city of Sirte in two attacks in December and January.
Libya plunged into chaos following 2011 uprising against the dictatorship of Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups, which refuse to lay down arms.
CAH/MKA/HRB
EU member states agree to impose indefinite freeze on Russian assets
Former EU top diplomat, senior Commission official held in fraud investigation
Italy to deport Egyptian cleric over pro-Palestine remarks
VIDEO | Germany considers Tunisia for migrant 'return center' plans
VIDEO | UK protesters show solidarity with Palestinians at Christmas
VIDEO | UK digital ID cards spark debate over immigration control, security
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
US advised to respect Iranian people, their elected establishment: FM
Trump admin. asks transportation body to share passenger names in expanded deportation push: Report
UN sounds alarm over record Palestinian displacement, surge in illegal settler attacks in West Bank
Iran emerges as global fertility hub, blending innovation, research and scientific excellence
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
