Britain’s 2011 military intervention in Libya ordered by former prime minister David Cameron, relied on flawed intelligence and hastened the North African country’s political and economic collapse.
A damning report produced by parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee said on Wednesday.
Britain and France led international efforts to help oust Libya’s then-leader Muammar Gaddafi in early 2011, using fighter jets to beat back Gaddafi’s armies and allow rebels to topple the long-time dictator.
But Libya has since suffered years of chaos.
Islamic State has gained a foothold, former rebels still fight over territory and people smugglers have set up a huge operation, sending tens of thousands on the perilous sea journey to Europe.
Mr. Cameron, who ran Britain from 2010 until July, had a “decisive” role in the decision to intervene and must bear the responsibility for Britain’s role in the crisis in Libya.
“The UK’s actions in Libya were part of an ill-conceived intervention, the results of which are still playing out today,” said committee chairman Crispin Blunt, a member of Cameron’s Conservative party.
Mr. Blunt said that UK policy in Libya before and since the intervention of March 2011 was founded on erroneous assumptions and an incomplete understanding of the country and the situation.
dership”.
Earlier this year, U.S. President Barack Obama said that European allies had become distracted from the Libyan crisis after the intervention.
Mr. Obama’s office later said he had not intended to be critical of Cameron.
Mr. Cameron stepped down as prime minister after losing a referendum to keep Britain in the EU, and on Monday resigned as a member of parliament, saying he did not want to become a distraction for his successor Theresa May.
(Reuters/NAN)
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