French defense minister warned of an increasing risk of Libya becoming a haven for combatants from ISIS.

There is an increasing risk of Libya becoming a haven for combatants from ISIS, even as western nations target the extremist militant group in Iraq and Syria, the French defense minister warned in comments published earlier in the week.

“We see foreign jihadists arriving in the region of Syrte (northern Libya) who, if our operations in Syria and Iraq succeed in reducing the territorial reach of Daesh (ISIS) could tomorrow be more numerous,” defense minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the Jeune Afrique weekly.

Le Drian ruled out military intervention in Libya but warned the West had to try to foster Libyan unity in the face of such a threat.

“It is a major risk and that’s why there absolutely must be understanding between the Libyans,” said Le Drian.

Analysts believe Libya would present a less hospitable environment for ISIS than Syria and Iraq.

But Tripoli is hampered in presenting a united front as rival governments compete for power – a militia alliance including militants that overran Tripoli in August 2014, and the internationally recognized administration that fled to eastern Libya.

The current chaos in Libya with groups of competing militias since the overthrow and death of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011 has allowed ISIS to build influence, notably in Qaddafi’s coastal home town of Sirte, east of Tripoli.

And there are widespread fears the group could exploit tribal conflicts further into Africa.

Recognizing ISIS’ increasing Libyan reach, Le Drian said he feared that ultimately the group could form one half of a double-edged militant challenge in conjunction with Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to their fellow militants in March and which has been bringing terror to Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

“There is a major risk of a link being forged with Boko Haram,” said Le Drian, urging Libya’s rival administrations to make common cause while urging neighbors Algeria and Egypt to work diplomatic channels to that effect.

But Le Drian insisted that France would not countenance military action at least while the Libyans are divided among themselves.

“That’s not on the agenda. One cannot release the Libyans from their responsibilities by suggesting there might one day be an intervention. They must find solutions themselves.”

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