US pulls forces from Libya amid fighting near capital

The US said Sunday it has temporarily withdrawn some of its forces from Libya due to "security conditions on the ground," as a Libyan military commander's forces advanced toward the capital, clashing with rival militias.

A small contingent of American troops has been in Libya in recent years helping local forces combat Islamic State and al-Qaida militants, as well as protecting diplomatic facilities.

"The security realities on the ground in Libya are growing increasingly complex and unpredictable," said Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser, the head of US Africa Command.

"Even with an adjustment of the force, we will continue to remain agile in support of existing US strategy."