WASHINGTON — The U.S. military will keep an unspecified number of ground troops in Libya to help friendly forces further degrade the Islamic State faction there, and officials are seeking new leeway to target al Qaida loyalists in Somalia, the top commander overseeing operations in Africa said Friday.
"We're going to maintain a force that has the ability to develop intelligence, work with various groups as required, or be able to assist if required ... to take out ISIS targets," said Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the head of U.S. Africa Command. Speaking to media at the Pentagon, he indicated also the ISIS presence in coastal Libya has fallen below 200 from an estimated 5,000 or 6,000 only a year ago.
The region no longer appears to be a "backup plan" for foreign fighters unable to join the the Islamic State's primary fight in Syria and Iraq, he added. That's due in large part to an intense four-month air campaign led by U.S. Marines operating from Navy ships in the Mediterranean Sea. Between August and December, their attack aircraft flew nearly 700 missions in support of Libyan militias battling ISIS militants in Sirte.
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More News On The U.S. Military Wanting To Keep Its Forces In Libya And To Expand Operations In Somalia
Region's countries must contain IS in Libya, Somalia -- US -- Kuwait News Agency
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US troops to stay in Libya to monitor Islamic State, AFRICOM chief says -- Stars and Stripes
U.S. to keep some special forces troops in Libya -- Digital Journal
More authority to act in Somalia would be 'very helpful': U.S. general -- Reuters
General Favors More Aggressive Approach in Somalia -- AP
Africa Command chief wants Trump blessing to launch Somalia airstrikes -- The Hill
US General Seeks Flexible Rules of Engagement for Somalia -- Military.com
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