Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj has warned Europe that it is "very likely" that terrorists may be hiding on migrant boats.
Following warnings by the Italian interior minister in recent weeks, Libyan prime minister Fayez Al-Serraj has cautioned that it is ''very likely'' that boats carrying migrants across the Mediterranean may also be carrying terrorists. He said that Islamic extremists may be hiding among asylum seekers after the defeat of the "Islamic State" (IS) in Iraq and Syria.
Al-Serraj is widely considered as the leader of the new Libya. His warning comes after a suicide attack on May 2, that was claimed by IS. The headquarters of the Libyan electoral commission were targeted with the blast killing 14 and injuring over 20. It should be noted that his warning also came discussions with Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti in the Libyan capital.
Danger of infiltration among migrants
The meeting focused on the state of collaboration between the two countries in light of the work done by the Italian-Libyan commission in training the Tripoli coast guard, as well as judicial collaboration. The issues are connected to what is seen as the most pressing problems: how to reduce the risk of terrorists who may be attempting to transform Libya into another Syria, and the concern that terrorists may be hiding among migrants in trying to reach Europe.
In an interview with the Italian news agency, TG1, al-Serraj
warned that the situation could deteriorate.
"It is very probable that there may be terrorists aboard migrant boats. But terrorists are also staying in Libya, mixing among migrants and destabilizing the country."
While the number of migrants leaving for Europe has dropped, the number of those remaining in Libya has risen and al-Serraj noted that the country is suffering as a result.
"The situation in migrant centers is catastrophic. We have invested a great deal of resources to help these people, but the weight cannot fall only on our shoulders and on those of Italy. Other European countries must intervene. There is the need to help these people in their nations and support their nations, support their development."
Risk of foreign fighters
Italy's Minister Minniti reiterated that the most serious risk, alongside 'lone wolves' is posed by foreign fighters returning from Syria. Until a year ago, he said, it was "considered improbable that high-ranking members of IS and other terrorists might arrive in Europe on boats carrying migrants." But after the military defeat of the group in Syria and Iraq, it is held as "more reasonable to think that fleeing fighters could use the easiest way, the most open and well-trod, which is making use of human traffickers." This is why, on the southern border of the Sahel "a key game is being played" and there is the need "to work in North Africa to prevent safe havens" for terrorists, he said. (In the picture, Libyan prime minister Fayez Al-Sarraj).