Britain announces £9 million anti-terror aid for Libya

British Foreign secretary Boris Johnson has announced plans to send financial aid worth of £9 million to Libya to fight terrorism and immigrant crisis, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

Johnson said that the aid aims to reduce the number of migrants risking their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean to flee the country’s critical situation. The announcement was made after the foreign secretary’s second visit to Tripoli, Libya in the last four months.

During his visit, Johnson referred to Libya as “the front line for many challenges which, left unchecked, can pose problems for us in the UK – particularly illegal migration and the threat from terrorism”.

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The British newspaper also quoted Johnson saying that it’s vital for the UK to help the Libyan government to bring stability to the North African country. He also said that this would prevent the growth of terrorists, gun runners and human traffickers in close proximity to the European continent.

Of the sum, £4 million is set towards removing explosive devices from previously held ISIS areas. Similarly, £1 million will be put towards much needed infrastructure and £2.75 million to support womens’ participation in peace making. Another £1.3 million are secured for refugee necessities which include food and healthcare.