UN envoy: IS poised to become 'serious threat' in Libya

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AP Southern Shuneh (Jordan)
Last Updated : May 23 2015 | 9:48 PM IST
The United Nations envoy on Libya says that Islamic State extremists can "become a very serious threat" in the country within months if rival governments fail to reach a unity deal.
Bernadino Leon told a regional conference of the World Economic Forum today that the IS presence in Libya has grown in recent months from small groups to more than 2,000 loyalists.
Libya has fragmented since the capital of Tripoli was overrun last year by Islamist-allied militias who set up their own government.
Libya's internationally recognised government withdrew to the east of the country. Leon is mediating unity talks. He says that without a quick deal, "in a few months this (the rise of Islamic State) can become a very serious threat for the Libyans and for us.
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First Published: May 23 2015 | 9:48 PM IST

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