UK troops to advise Tunisia on halting Libya border breaches

LONDON – Britain's defense minister says about 20 U.K. troops are being sent to Tunisia to help stop people crossing illegally from chaotic Libya.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon told lawmakers on Monday that a training team from the 4th Infantry Brigade would help Tunisian authorities combat illegal cross-border movement.

Britain and other Western countries are worried that Islamic State group militants can slip easily from Libya into Tunisia, which has seen several deadly gun and bomb attacks targeting authorities and tourists.

Fallon said Britain was willing to provide military advice and training to Libya's fledgling unity government. But he said "we do not intend to deploy ground forces in any combat role."

Libya has descended into chaos since the 2011 death of dictator Moammar Gadhafi, with IS-linked militants gaining in strength.