U.S. Working With Libya to Assess Possible Needs in Counter-ISIL Fight
The United States is working with the interim Libyan government to see what help it might need in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford (pictured) spoke at a joint press conference with Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, shortly after Scaparrotti took command of U.S. European Command.
Dunford pointed out that the United States already conducted operations against ISIL targets in Libya.
Situation in Libya
"If there is a threat against the homeland or U.S. personnel, we're going to act, and we have already in the past done that," the chairman said.
With regard to subsequent operations that might take place in Libya, that's going to be at the invitation of the interim Libyan government, known as the Government of National Accord, Dunford said.
He said the commander of U.S. Africa Command, Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, has already met with U.S. Ambassador Peter W. Bodde and the U.S. special envoy for Libya, Jonathan Winer.
"They'll meet with the Government of National Accord to see what requirements may exist from a security perspective and from an operations perspective," the chairman said.
