UN approves crackdown on arms trafficking in Libya

NEW YORK (AA) – The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday authorized measures to prevent arms trafficking to Libya.

Council members voted unanimously to approve a resolution that allows member states to inspect vessels to and from Libya on waters off the country’s coast and, seize and dispose of any weapons and ammunition found.

The resolution, which was penned by the U.K., aims to ensure the implementation of an arms embargo on Libya that was put in place in February 2011.

The text of the resolution voices concern that "arms and related materiel are being used by terrorist groups operating in Libya, including [Daesh]."

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said during a Security Council session Tuesday that the ongoing violations of the arms embargo were “fuelling instability in Libya,” with Daesh and other groups capitalizing on the breaches.

The resolution gives member states a one-year mandate and excludes vessels that have sovereign immunity.

Libya has been reeling from violence since foreign intervention and ensuing civil war overthrew the government of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, triggering a power struggle between two opposing seats of government in Tripoli and Tobruk.

The ensuing chaos has allowed groups like Daesh to use the country as a breeding ground for terrorism.

In 2014, the terrorist group declared the establishment of its Maghreb and Sahel regions in Derna, attacking the rival Libyan governments.

NEW YORK (AA) – The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday authorized measures to prevent arms trafficking to Libya.

Council members voted unanimously to approve a resolution that allows member states to inspect vessels to and from Libya on waters off the country’s coast and, seize and dispose of any weapons and ammunition found.

The resolution, which was penned by the U.K., aims to ensure the implementation of an arms embargo on Libya that was put in place in February 2011.

The text of the resolution voices concern that "arms and related materiel are being used by terrorist groups operating in Libya, including [Daesh]."

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said during a Security Council session Tuesday that the ongoing violations of the arms embargo were “fuelling instability in Libya,” with Daesh and other groups capitalizing on the breaches.

The resolution gives member states a one-year mandate and excludes vessels that have sovereign immunity.

Libya has been reeling from violence since foreign intervention and ensuing civil war overthrew the government of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, triggering a power struggle between two opposing seats of government in Tripoli and Tobruk.

The ensuing chaos has allowed groups like Daesh to use the country as a breeding ground for terrorism.

In 2014, the terrorist group declared control of regions in the city of Derna, attacking the rival Libyan governments.