An anonymous source told Fox News on Tuesday the U.S. government believes a terror attack comparable to the 9/11 attack will come out of Libya.
Citing the presence of Islamic State operatives in Benghazi, Derna and Sirte, the government argues it needs authority to go into Libya in pursuit of ISIS.
In late February the Director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Libya is the most “troublesome” country in the Middle East.
“There are, in addition to ISIL, probably six or eight other terrorist groups that have gathered in Libya,” he said. “So it’s a magnet because, essentially, it’s ungoverned.”
“From an intelligence perspective, I think clearly we need to step up our game,” Clapper added. “I think there’s a lot of merit to partnering with the French, who have sort of staked out their claim in the Sahel region of North Africa.”
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters Libya must deal with its security issues with the help of the United States and the United Nations.
Read More: Next 9/11 Will Come Out of Libya: Feds
Niamh Harris