On 24 March, Marine General Thomas Waldhauser, head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) told a press conference that Russia is attempting to influence the situation in Libya and that the US finds this worrying. He also indicated that the US would maintain a force in Libya in order to counter Islamic State.
"They (Russia) are on the ground, they are trying to influence the action, we watch what they do with great concern and you know in addition to the military side of this, we've seen some recent activity in business ventures," Waldhauser said." I think it is common knowledge, certainly in the open press, the Russians and their desire to influence the activities inside in Libya... the Russian and Haftar, I think that linkage is undeniable at this point in time," Waldhauser told reporters at a news conference.Waldhauser said the United States would "maintain a force" in Libya in order to develop intelligence and work with the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli if more action was needed against Islamic State. He estimated that there were between 100 and 200 Islamic State militants left in Libya.
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