BRITISH soldiers could be deployed to help fight Islamic State (ISIS) in Libya if a Rome summit gives the green light.
A thousand troops may be sent to target the Maghreb region, where the feared group has its Libyan stronghold.
The plans come amid fears the new Libyan Government is unable to combat the rise of ISIS, also known as Daesh, and migrant smuggling without foreign help.
It has been revealed that following the recent crackdown into Europe via Turkey and Greece, smugglers are expanding their operations in Libya.
Head of UK military operations, Lt Gen Gordon Messenger, will fly to Rome this week to meet multi-national commanders.
David Cameron has agreed in principle to the action, which will involve UK forces going to Tripoli.
A joint Special Forces mission could be launched following attacks in Benghazi and Misrata, where at least 15 members of the security forces were killed and 40 wounded by two ISIS suicide bombers.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Lt Gen Messenger will be in Rome to explore, with international partners, how best to support the Libyan government.”
Crispin Blunt, chairman of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said: “Clarity is now overdue. We need transparency about the difficulties and the challenges.
“Any deployment would need a parliamentary vote, as would airstrikes on Isis.”
The deployment could happen within weeks.
express.co.uk
