Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States does not envision a significant improvement in Libya’s security.

The U.S. intelligence community has assessed that NATO efforts over the next year would not end militia domination over much of Libya.

The assessment said Libya’s military and security forces would require years of
force development until they could regain control over the North African
state.

“Heavily armed militias will likely continue to threaten stability over
the next year,” the Defense Intelligence Agency said.

In an assessment relayed to Congress in February 2014, DIA, responsible
for the Defense Department and military, cited the militia threat to
Libyan stability. The militias have been occupying oil facilities,
decreasing energy production from 1.4 million barrels per day to 250,000,
and costing the Libyan government over $7.5 billion in revenues.

“Militias present a challenge to internal stability despite Tripoli’s
recent progress integrating some armed groups into its security forces,” DIA
said.

“Public and government backlash forced militias to withdraw from these
cities. These militia elements have withdrawn but have not disarmed, and
will likely attempt to return to urban areas after pressure recedes.”
The United States has agreed to develop Libya’s security forces.

Washington, with assistance from NATO, plans to establish the General
Purpose Force, meant to have an initial strength of 8,000 officers.
“GPF will not be capable of restoring security or central government
authority for at least one-to-two years,” DIA said.

  Defense Intelligence Agency, General Purpose Force, Libyan militias, U.S. intelligence sees Libya out of control for another 1-to-2 years