The U.S. Army Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on April 7 that it had evacuated its troops from the Libyan capital of Tripoli “in response to the evolving security situation” there.
“The security realities on the ground in Libya are growing increasingly complex and unpredictable … Even with an adjustment of the force, we will continue to remain agile in support of existing U.S. strategy,” U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, a commander in AFRICOM, said in an official statement.
The withdrawal of U.S. forces come as the Libyan National Army (LNA) continue to advance towards Tripoli as a part of Operation Flood of Dignity. A day earlier, army forces reached the capital’s outskirt.
AFRICOM said that it will continue to monitor the situation in Libya. The unified command claimed that its forces were supporting diplomatic missions in the country, carrying out counter-terrorism activities and enhancing partnerships with local forces.
Libyan sources released a video showing a U.S. Marines Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) landing on the shore of the region of Janzur, west of Tripoli. According to the sources, the LCAC evacuated personnel from the Palm City complex, where many diplomatic missions are known to be stationed.
The U.S. is one of the key supporters of the Libyan Government of National Accord (LGNA), which controls Tripoli. The withdrawal of U.S. forces may be a signal that Washington’s support for the LGNA may be less than the LGNA forces expects.
