Tri-Service

British Troops Prepare For Libya Deployment

British soldiers could be heading to Libya to prevent Daesh from encroaching into the country.

Up to 1,000 troops would be deployed to train and support Libyan security forces as part of a 6,000-strong Italian-led mission.

It follows the signing of a United Nations brokered deal to form a new, unified government in Libya.

Forces TV reported earlier this year that British troops could be sent to the country if it united against Daesh.

And the UN has described the new deal as a "first step" towards ending the crisis in the nation, although it is still a paper deal which will take time to implement.

As a result, Downing Street has indicated that British troops could be deployed if the new Libyan government requests support.

They would not be used in a combat role.

How much danger is Libya facing from Islamic State?

Libya has been without a functioning government since the collapse of the Gaddafi regime four years ago. The security vacuum has allowed ISIS to make its presence felt.

It already has a foothold in two areas south of Benghazi, close to many of Libya’s oil and gas facilities.

Libya is a country rich in oil, which is a potential source of income for Isis. In Syria, they are thought to be earning some $1.5 million a day through oil sales.

Daesh could see the country as a safe haven, to replace its stronghold in Syria, which is being pummelled by airstrikes.

When could this happen?

It has taken 14 months to get a deal signed, although there are still disagreements between Libya’s two rival governments.

It is a gamble, but if the deal results in a unified government, the UK, along with other western countries, would expect to be invited to support that government.

That could include being part of an international coalition force.