U.S. Forces, Foreigners Evacuating From Libya as Fighting Continues Near Tripoli
TINDERBOX
U.S. Africa Command confirmed that it has relocated a contingent of American forces in Libya as tensions rise in the North African nation, according to the BBC. Foreign nationals working in the oil sector, including those from Italy and France, have also been evacuated as rebel forces under rogue general Khalifa Haftar march towards Tripoli. The U.S. and U.N.- backed government based in Tripoli says it conducted airstrikes on Saturday to try to keep Haftar’s advancing forces at bay, killing at least 14 people. The U.S. African command said in a statement that they had relocated troops. “Due to increased unrest in Libya, a contingent of U.S. forces supporting U.S. Africa Command temporarily relocated from the country in response to security conditions on the ground. U.S. Africa Command’s mission in Libya involves military support to diplomatic missions, counter-terrorism activities, enhancing partnerships, and improving security across the region.”