Tri-Service
Comment: Libya, Special Forces And Keeping Schtum
Article By Christopher Lee, Defence Analyst
It is said that the British already have specialist troops operating in Libya.. They report back on militia activity, ISIS numbers and estimates of readiness and targets.
They compile personality profiles and allegiances of militia leaders plus their military competence, weaponry, back-up, positions and the capability to take and hold territory.
British special forces have carried out beach surveying, assessing the potential of opposed landings, the resources available and possibly defended lines of advance. They've also looked at the needs of close air support and offshore stand off support.
They are also monitoring refugee activity including the role of the refugee organisers.. the criminal gangs behind people smuggling.
All this is good soldiering for two reasons: it gives the UK a first hand and trustworthy situation report of the day-by-day state of Libya. It also provides essential data should Britain get involved in a deployment.
UK politicians want the freedom to go into Libya for three reasons: to contain and possibly defeat the ISIS presence, guarantee oil supplies, and as they see it to restore a failed state.
The British are leading what amounts to a demand that the national accord government under Fayez al-Sarraj should allow for example a coalition of Italian, French and British troops to peace keep the country, with 1000 British troops already earmarked as so-called advisers.
Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj sensibly says back off. If Western forces land then he cannot guarantee the already fragile truce with the militias and supporting political groupings. Or, is this elaborate diplomacy telling militias it is not his idea?
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond & Co failed in 2011 to work out a post-Gaddafi plan for Libya and failed to see the present situation.
There is a tenuous chance that Fayez al-Sarraj may edge towards success without a Western military intervention, the likes of which have miserably failed throughout the Middle East for the past two decades.
Hammond and his long-retired military pundits should back off. Most of all, if he has plans then stop playing the tough guy on the block. Say nothing if you plan to do a lot.
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