The Pentagon has presented to the White House the military options that can be implemented immediately to counter the threat of the Islamic State in Libya. The main option advanced by the military is to carry out "massive air strikes against the training camps, command centers and depots identified in Libya".
The Coalition has identified 40 sensitive targets in four areas of the country. "If we destroy them now, we could deal a severe blow to the most dangerous branch of the Islamic State outside Iraq and Syria and open the way for western Libyan militias." Option also outlined by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
Despite on the table, the large-scale airstrike continues to be strongly discouraged by the State Department. "Such air strikes, if not coordinated properly, could jeopardize the United Nations effort to create a government in Libya."
We will continue to target the terrorists in Libya - Obama said last February 25 on the sidelines of a meeting of the National Security Council - but we have to find a diplomatic solution.
However, it is a fight against time. The United States, Great Britain, France and Italy try to manage a precarious balance in an attempt to guarantee a fragile political path that can lead to a government in Libya. The priority of the political solution does not take into account the possible advantage of immediate aggressive military action.
Where we can, we attack - commented General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - avoiding to undermine the political process underway. In a few months - Dunford added - we will understand if this strategy has been successful or if, instead, we will have a real army in front of us.
The issue of raids in Libya should also be read from a tactical point of view. Last fall, in a rare episode of frankness, the US secret services stated that "despite the presence on the ground of numerous teams of British, American, French and Italian special forces, we do not have sufficient information to identify the objectives of the Islamic State. in Libya ".
The strength of the Islamic State in Libya is estimated at 6500 to 7000 terrorists. The main centers of the caliphate, according to the US Department of Defense, are in Sirte, Tripoli and Benghazi.
(photo: US DoD)
