"Even with the support of the international community, the [Libyan Government of National Accord] will likely struggle for the foreseeable future to establish its authority and secure Libya’s territory, borders, resources, and people," Rodriguez stated.
The US general added that the absence of a Libyan central government will "allow the conditions for violent extremist organizations to flourish."
Since mid-2014, the Islamic State group has spread into north Africa, establishing a stronghold in the northern Libyan town of Sirte.The spread of the Islamic State in Libya "represents a serious and growing threat" to the United States, Europe, and the region, Rodriguez said. He added that the lack of government control in Libya has produced a "favorable environment" for Daesh and other groups to "export instability" across throughout region and into Europe.
Libya has been in turmoil since early 2011, when Arab Spring protests led to a civil war and the NATO-led overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The instability in the country has facilitated the emergence of two rival governments in Libya, as well as several militant and terrorist groups.
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