The Libyan people would unite against a ground operation in their country, as is being promoted by Italy and supported by Malta, Tripoli’s government representative in Malta said yesterday.

Hussin Musrati’s comments come after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat pledged logistical support to a potential UN-mandated operation involving European, Arab and African Union troops to counter groups affiliated with IS that appear to be gaining a foothold in Libya.

Dr Muscat yesterday expanded upon his position, saying that though Malta did not have the resources to contribute soldiers or equipment, it could serve as a contact point with the Libyan people, as it is the European country Libyans trust the most.

The Libyan crisis escalated yesterday, when Egypt carried out revenge bombings on the eastern town of Derna following the emergence of a video on Sunday showing the beheading of 21 Coptic Egyptians who had been kidnapped in Sirte by an IS-associated group.

Read more on Times of Malta.

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