The government says the operation will allow the military to close smuggling tunnels it alleges are used by militants affiliated with IS.

The two countries’ Presidents met in Ecuador to defuse tensions, with the two sides agreeing to "progressively normalize the border."

Libya is divided between an Islamist-backed government in Tripoli and an internationally recognized leadership based in the east.

The plan to buy Herons in a deal estimated at $400 million would open the option of covert cross-border strikes.