Surt, a Libyan port city 400 miles southeast of Sicily, is now seen as a backup base should the Islamic State (ISIS) be driven from Syria and Iraq,
The New York Times reports.
Both the United States and Great Britain have sent commandos to gather intelligence in Surt, while the United States has increased airstrikes on ISIS leaders, but the Times said military strategists say there are no long-term options to contain ISIS in Libya.
ISIS is under attack from U.S., French, Russian and Syrian airstrikes in the Middle East, but in Libya the group is able to grow. There has been no central government since the U.S.-backed overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi, and factional fighting among local militias has focused on each other rather than ISIS.
ISIS controls not only Surt, but 150 miles of nearby coastline, and the area has about 2,000 fighters.
ISIS's harsh Islamic law has gone into effect with beheadings and crucifixions taking place. Women must wear veils, and cigarettes and music have been banned.
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