US General Sees End to Libya Mission

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. commander for Africa says the military mission in Libya is largely complete and NATO's involvement could begin to wrap up as soon as next week when allied leaders meet in Brussels.

Army Gen. Carter Ham, head of U.S. Africa Command, tells The Associated Press that NATO ministers will review the situation and could decide to end the mission.

He says that U.S. intelligence and surveillance assets, such as drones, will likely stay in the region for some time once the NATO mission ends, particularly to help the Libyan government with key issues such as border security and non-proliferation of weapons.

But he says air strikes would likely end, unless specifically requested by the Libyan transitional government.