Al-Qaida revival in Libya concerns U.S.

WASHINGTON, April 17 (UPI) -- A report issued by the U.S. State Department has expressed concern that al-Qaida could stage a revival in Libya.

U.S. intelligence hasn't detected a specific threat by al-Qaida in Libya, but officials said the intelligence community determined a group called "al-Qaida Organization" was seeking to form operational and sleeper cells in Libya, Med Basin Newsline reported Thursday.

"The potential for an attack against U.S. interests by the newly merged ... entity constitutes the most serious terrorist threat to U.S. interests an personnel in Libya," a State Department report said.

The report, "Libya 2008 Crime & Safety Report," said the organization -- created by the merger of al-Qaida and the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group in 2007 -- is believed to be preparing to target the West's presence in Libya, focusing on crude oil fields.

"U.S. Embassy Tripoli reminds all Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments," the report said.