A 5,000-strong, Italian-led international force is ready to deploy in Libya as concern grows over the threat from extremist groups operating in the country, with dozens killed in clashes in neighbouring Tunisia on Monday.
Tunisia’s interior and defence ministries said at least 53 people – 35 attackers, seven civilians and 11 members of the security forces – were killed in fighting that followed a raid from across the Libyan border.
The group responsible for the attack was not identified, though the US and European governments are increasingly worried about the spread of Islamic Statein Libya.
The Italian government is working on a plan to send a force, including British troops, to help mentor and train a new Libyan army if the parliament there formally votes to support a unity government. After that vote, the government would then have to invite the Italian-led force to deploy.
Deployment would take at least a month and training would be carried out near the capital.
Monday’s attack in the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane, close to the Libyan border, began at dawn and targeted a police station and military sites. Residents were told to remain inside as soldiers and helicopters were sent to the area to help hunt for the attackers.
Associated Press reported a hospital official, Abdelkrim Sakroud, saying on state radio a 12-year-old girl was among the civilians who were killed.
Speaking from the capital Tunis, Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi said extremists now posed a security threat to his entire country.
“This is an unprecedented attack, planned and organised,” he said. “Its goal was probably to take control of this area and to announce a new emirate. The majority of Tunisians are now in a state of war against barbarism.”
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