Tri-Service

British Troops Could Be Sent To Libya IF Country Unifies

If rival regimes in Libya can unify, British troops could be sent to the country as part of a stabilisation force.

The nation has been in turmoil since its leader Colonel Gaddafi was ousted in 2011.

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But how realistic is it that the country will unify enough for any multi-national mission to take place?

•There are currently two rival governments in Libya – ‘Libya Dawn’ in the capital, Tripoli, and the widely internationally-recognised Council of Deputies, in Tobruk.

•The Council of Deputies, made up of secularist and federalist lawmakers, was formed after it won a low-turnout general election in 2014 against the Islamist-led General National Congress (GNC).

•Members of the Islamist-led GNC refused to recognise the new parliament however, and its supporters (known as Libya Dawn) seized control of Tripoli, forcing the newly-elected parliament to flee to Tobruk.

•Islamic State and other religious and tribal militant groups, meanwhile, have seized control of several cities and districts across Libya.

•And all the while the country has become a channel for displaced people from Africa seeking a better life in Europe.

•It’s caused a number of commentators to describe Libya as a ‘failed state’.

•There is, however, some talk of the two rival governments reaching an understanding – with meetings having taken place to try to accomplish that.

•If that was to happen, the international community could muster a multi-national force to help.

•But with the two groups seemingly constantly veering between fighting and attempting talks, there's no signs a resolution will be in the immediate future even if it is ultimately reached.

So imminent international action looks unlikely - but if things do change, the MoD has confirmed it's making plans.