Libya War News Updates -- February 4, 2016

New York Times: Obama Is Pressed to Open Military Front Against ISIS in Libya

WASHINGTON — President Obama is being pressed by some of his top national security aides to approve the use of American military power in Libya to open up another front against the Islamic State.

But Mr. Obama, wary of embarking on an intervention in another strife-torn country, has told his aides to redouble their efforts to help form a unity government in Libya at the same time the Pentagon refines its options, which include airstrikes, commando raids or advising vetted Libyan militias on the ground, as Special Operations forces are doing now in eastern Syria. The use of large numbers of American ground troops is not being considered.

The debate, which played out in a meeting Mr. Obama had with his advisers last week, has not yet been resolved, nor have the size or contours of any possible American military involvement been determined.

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Libya War News Updates -- February 4, 2016

A Divided Libya Struggles Against Islamic State Attacks -- WSJ
Fear stalks Libya's growing jihadist haven -- AFP
Libya: Isis drafting 'army of the poor' as Daesh fighters with $1,000 cash hand-outs -- IBTimes
ISIS offering £700 bribes to poor Africans to join super migrant army of terrorists -- Express
ISIL threatens Libyan oil refineries, ports -- USA Today
Top IS commanders 'taking refuge' in Libya -- BBC
ISIS Leaders Seek Refuge in Libya: Intelligence Official -- Newsweek
Libya: Senior terror commanders 'with long-term' importance to Isis are taking refuge in the country -- IBTimes
Anti-ISIS summit highlights worries over newest stronghold -- AP
Kerry warns of Islamic State expansion in Libya -- Washington Post
Rome terror summit: anti-ISIS coalition to intensify fight against threat to Libya and the West -- News.com.au
Coalition looks for ways to block Islamic State in Libya -- USA Today
Anti-IS coalition debates Libya while Syria peace talks stall -- DW
Libya's Political Chaos Slows Response to Islamic State -- ABC News
Control and crucifixions: Life in Libya under IS -- BBC
ISIS threat: Is Libya the next Syria? -- Howard LaFranchi, CSM