General says number of US troops in Libya sufficient for now

In testimony Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser said the American troops are performing advisory roles while acknowledging that he is not aware that the United States has an "overall grand strategy" for Libya.

Libya slid into chaos following the 2011 toppling and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Since 2014, Libya has been divided between two parliaments and governments with each backed by a loose set of militias and tribes.

Following a U.N. brokered political deal between factions from each camp at the end of last year, a new unity government has tried to consolidate its grip in Tripoli but has faced resistance from various political players and armed groups.

Islamic State extremists have exploited the turmoil, seizing territory and triggering fears in Europe at the prospects of an expanding extremist-run bastion on its doorstep, just across the Mediterranean Sea.