LONDON: Britain is sending a training team of around 20 soldiers to Tunisia to help stop people illegally entering from neighboring Libya, Defence Minister Michael Fallon told parliament on Monday.
“A training team of some 20 troops from the 4th Infantry Brigade is now moving to Tunisia to help counter illegal cross-border movement from Libya in support of the Tunisian authorities,” he said.
Britain should not have a “combat role” in Libya but would be ready to provide military advice and training for the Libyan government if asked to do so and only with the prior consent of British MPs.
He denied that British pilots embedded with other air forces had taken part in missions over the country.
Libya has had rival parliaments and governments since 2014, after a militia alliance overran Tripoli.
UK troops to bolster Libyan border
UK troops to bolster Libyan border
