MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Islamic State (Daesh) terrorist group must be destroyed and refused the merit of being called a state, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said.
"We must react. Of course, by destroying them (including by military action, where it is necessary and possible). But war is being waged by sovereign states, while terrorism is practiced by ruthless and dangerous cells that do not deserve to be considered as sovereign states. They want to be called the Islamic State, but we call them Daesh," Renzi said in an enews note to members of the Democratic Party chaired by him.
The prime minister's statement comes after blasts took place in the departure hall of the Brussels Zaventem international airport on Tuesday. Another explosion took place at the Maelbeek metro station near the European Union institutions. Thirty-one people were killed and more than 300 were injured in the attacks. The responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States.
So far, Italy has not taken part in military operations against Daesh in Syria.
On Friday, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that Italy is not preparing any military operations in Libya.
