Libyan airstrikes against Islamic State as Threat To Europe Grows
The Libyan Air Force launched attacks on Islamic State strongholds within Derna, Libya. These airstrikes have targeted several weapons and ammunition storage facilities. The Islamic State released an online statement confirming the attack, but claimed the attacks struck the headquarters for the Hisbah, ISIS’ shariah law enforcers. Pro-Islamic State twitter users have accused the Libyan government of striking a civilian apartment building, but no confirmation of damages or losses has been reported.
The attacks took place on May 2nd, targeting the city of Derna. Derna is a coastal city, making it a strategic stronghold for the Islamic State, in part because it allows them to take part in smuggling into Europe, mainly Italy.
In a country filled with clashing governments and terror groups, it is no wonder Islamic State is increasing its influence in Libya. Not only does Libya provide the Islamic State with access to the trafficking and smuggling trade, but gives them a base from where to launch attacks on Italy. A NATO official told the news website WND that an attack against Islamic State forces in Libya is not under discussion, and warned that such an effort would face challenges because of the high concentrations of civilians and refugees. In Italy the call for action has grown more vocal, as Italian politician Paolo Gentiloni, warned, “We don’t have months and months to sort this out”.
The Islamic State has already promised to attack Italy and revealed that they already have supporters operating within Italy. The best way to stop Islamic State from infiltrating Italy is to crack down on the smuggling and trafficking route from Libya to Italy. These routes provide an easy point of entry and allow Islamic State members to pass unnoticed and undetected.
The failure to act in Libya is a result of a disjointed policy, which recognizes the importance of striking Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria, but ignores, or disassociates Islamic State provinces from the main body. Although Islamic State launched efforts in Libya as early as November 2014, as late as April 20th, shortly after the Islamic State’s execution of 21 Coptic Christians, the Obama Press Secretary Josh Earnest said it was “difficult to assess” what presence Islamic State had in Libya. Libya’s Foreign Minister has accused the U.S. of being “blind” to the threat.
The U.S. and coalition efforts should actively target Islamic State and other jihadist groups (including Al Qaeda) regardless of expansion across borders. The United States and its allies must adopt a global strategy against a global threat.
