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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.

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"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.

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