“The response to the Italian intervention in the Libyan waters will be strong”, spokesperson of Dignity Operation, Ahmed Al-Mismari, has threatened.

The parallel Libyan News Agency in the eastern region quoted Sunday Al-Mismari as saying that Khalifa Haftar-led army will not accept the division of Libya and the foreign agendas in it.

He claimed that the Italian intervention in the Libyan waters is reckless and aims to undermine the French initiative, which was hailed by the EU, AU and the UN.

The head of UN-installed Presidential Council Fayaz Sirraj requested Italy to send navy ships to the Libyan waters to combat illegal immigration during his meeting with Italian Prime Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, in Rome on Wednesday.

After negative reactions to his request, Sirraj denied and explained that he had only requested logistic support that includes training and supply of equipment to the Libyan Navy.

Later, the Foreign Ministry of Presidential Council said Italy’s logistic support to Libya requires presence of Italian navy vessels in Tripoli port.

The Italians have confirmed Sirraj’s request to deploy Italian navy vessels in the Libyan waters.