WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence and military officials say no one can be sure who controls the Libyan government’s weapons stockpiles, from tons of mustard gas and raw nuclear materials to some 30,000 shoulder-fired rockets that can threaten aircraft.
The officials say the stockpiles appear to be under Libyan government control, despite rebel advances into the capital of Tripoli. That may or may not be good news, depending on whether troops loyal to embattled leader Moammar Gadhafi (MOO’-ah-mar gah-DAH’-fee) honor international agreements not to use the material.
One fear is that Gadhafi might use the weapons to make a last stand, or that al-Qaida may acquire them. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.
Two U.S. State Department weapons teams are working to secure the sites in rebel-held areas.
