UAE says stands by Egypt in campaign against militants in Libya

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan

The United Arab Emirates said it stands by Egypt in its fight against Islamist militants in Libya after the death of 21 captive Egyptians and called for eradicating ISIL from the region, state news agency WAM reported on Monday.

"We are with and beside you in all steps and measures you take to eradicate terrorism and all terrorist organisations," UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan said in a condolence message to his Egyptian counterpart carried by WAM.

"This ugly crime strengthens our will and determination and reinforces our cooperation with our partners in confronting the criminal threats of Daesh (ISIL) organisation in Libya and to uproot it from the entire region."

Egypt's air force bombed ISIL targets inside Libya on Monday, a day after the group released a video showed the beheading of 21 Egyptians there, marking an escalation in Cairo's battle against militants.

It was the first time Egypt confirmed launching air strikes against the group in neighbouring Libya, showing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is ready to expand his fight against Islamist militancy beyond Egypt's borders.

Egypt said the dawn strike, in which Libya's air force also participated, hit Islamic State camps, training sites and weapons storage areas in Libya, where civil conflict has plunged the country into near anarchy and created havens for militia.

A Libyan air force commander said between 40 to 50 militants were killed in the attack. "There are casualties among individuals, ammunition and the (Islamic State) communication centres," Saqer al-Joroushi told Egyptian state television.

"More air strikes will be carried out today and tomorrow in coordination with Egypt," he said.

The 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who had gone to Libya in search of work, were marched to a beach, forced to kneel and then beheaded on video, which was broadcast via a website that supports ISIL.

Before the killings, one of the militants stood with a knife in his hand and said: "Safety for you crusaders is something you can only wish for."