PARIS (AP) — France’s defense minister says he is seeking support from European counterparts for joint action in Libya to stem violence and uproot terrorists who have established a foothold there.
Islamist-allied militias have cemented their control over Libya’s capital after the worst bout of violence since an international coalition championed by France helped rebels oust Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is quoted in an interview in Tuesday’s Le Figaro as saying, “we must act in Libya and mobilize the international community.”
He says France could move troops it has from nearby countries toward the Libyan border.
He said he would appeal to European defense ministers meeting in Milan on Tuesday for action, and suggested a similar push at the U.N. General Assembly later this month.
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