Libya's unity gov't calls for quick rearmament program

Libya’s unity government has called for the international community to hasten its steps into a rearmament program.

Following the death of at least 30 Libyan forces battling with Islamist militants, the unity government headed by Fayez Al-Sarraj urged the international community to lift an arms embargo.

Recently, several countries agreed to support a relaxation of the UN embargo on arms sales to the new authorities in order to fight jihadists in the country.

Arms embargo exemptions being considered for new Libyan government #Libya https://t.co/tixGOQLo1M pic.twitter.com/2nbfHrQdcV

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The call by the unity government comes less than a day after its troops recaptured a main checkpoint that was manned by Islamic State. 32 troops were killed in a car bomb attack while fighting with the jihadists.

Since the ousting of long time ruler Muammar Gaddafi, the oil rich nation has suffered blows of attacks from Islamist militants battling for territory and recognition in the country.

During the revolt against Gaddafi’s regime, European and British arms firms supplied Libya with millions of dollars of military hardware.

AFP