Libya and Tunisia to join efforts in fight against terrorism

Libya and Tunisia have agreed to collaborate to fight terrorism.

The announcement was made by the leader of Libya’s new union government, Fayez al-Sarraj during a visit to Tunisia.

Libya has since the ouster of former leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, being overrun by militias and the Islamic State who have staged various attacks in parts of the country.

#Libya, #Tunisia eye ‘anti-terrorist cooperation’ https://t.co/4cEmOKUPZU pic.twitter.com/Xa2kaXhnBl

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) May 7, 2016

Before the meeting of the two leaders, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing and attacks in nearby towns of Misrata. Officials of the Misrata central hospital said eight people were killed while 105 others were wounded, reported AFP.

“We have addressed the issue of terrorism and how to coordinate our security features to defeat terrorism. What happened yesterday (Thursday) in Abu Grein shows that terrorism is spreading in all regions and this requires coordination (between two countries)” al-Sarraj told the media after their meeting.

The Tunisian primer also noted that “in order to overcome and combat terrorism, it takes time and cooperation between Tunisia and Libya.”

He further pledged Tunisia’s support for “the Libyan government and the government’s efforts to build, strengthen and reconcile the border between our countries” adding that Tunisia “will endeavor to provide more support to ensure the success of this delicate transition period.”

Libya’s new unity government has meanwhile announced the formation of a special military unit to fight the Islamic State in the country.

Tunisia on the other hand has built a 200-km barrier stretching about half the length of its border with Libya in an attempt to prevent militants from infiltrating.