Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Britain has halted a program to train Libya’s military.

The British Defence Ministry said it suspended a Libyan military training program. The ministry said Britain would expel some 300 Libyan military cadets, who arrived in July 2014, amid allegations of sexual assaults.

“Training was initially expected to last until the end of November,” the Defence Ministry said. “But we have agreed with the Libyan government that it is best for all involved to bring forward the training completion date.”

The Defence Ministry statement on Nov. 4 appeared to end the latest effort by NATO to organize and train Libya’s military. Similar programs in Turkey have also been hampered by misconduct by Libyan cadets.

“The recruits will be returning to Libya in the coming days,” the Defence Ministry said.

Three Libyan Army soldiers have already been charged with sexual assault during their stay at the Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire. Officials said two of the defendants confessed to the charges.

“The majority of recruits have responded positively to the training despite the ongoing political uncertainty in Libya, but there have been disciplinary issues,” the Defence Ministry said.

The Defence Ministry said it would conduct a review of whether to host Libyan Army cadets in Britain. The ministry, meant to oversee training of 2,000 troops, has been criticized for failing to monitor the Libyans during their 24-week course.

“It is clear that the stipulation that there was to be no unauthorized exit from the base has not been adhered to and the consequences have been unacceptable,” British parliamentarian Andrew Lansley said.

  Military training program for Libyans suspended after sexual assault charges, WorldTribune.com