TRIPOLI, Libya – Libya's new military chief of staff says his first mission is to create a military that can protect the desert nation's vast borders and help disarm thousands of former rebels who took part in the overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Gen. Youssef Mangoush said the country's fledgling military faces huge obstacles, including rebuilding its compounds and purchasing new equipment.
Mangoush's appointment Tuesday as chief of staff comes as the country's new rulers are working on forging a national army by integrating some of the militias.
Mangoush was once a special forces commander under Qaddafi, but resigned from the military 10 years before the uprising. He joined with the opposition in its battle to overthrow Qaddafi's regime.
