US to train Libyan military personnel

The United States has agreed to provide basic combat training for 5,000 to 8,000 Libyan military personnel, Defense Department spokesman Steve Warren said Monday. The training mission is still being planned, and is slated to take place at a base in Bulgaria, Warren said during a Pentagon briefing. He provided no details on costs, timing or training specifics. "We're in discussions with the Libyans on the exact number. We' re prepared to provide training for 5,000 to 8,000 Libyan military personnel," he said. Warren said the United States offered to provide general- purpose military training outside Libya after Libyan prime minister made the training request. Two years after the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's fragile government is still struggling to establish democratic institutions and contain militia violence and unrest throughout the country. NATO has said it is sending advisers to Libya to help Tripoli to strengthen its security set-up, in a response to a support request made by the Libyan prime minister.