Rome: Italy today issued its strongest warning yet about the danger of the Islamic State group establishing a stronghold in Libya that would threaten Europe's security and the stability of neighbouring states.

Addressing parliament, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said there was an "evident risk" of IS fighters in Libya forging an alliance with local militias or criminal gangs currently engaged in a multi-sided battle for control of the country. He also warned that time was running out for the troubled north African state, and called for a "change of pace" in the international community's efforts to restore stability to a country that has descended into chaos.