The head of U.S. Africa Command, Gen. Stephen Townsend, recently flew to Libya, signaling America’s concern for rising tensions as Russian fighter jets fly over eastern Libya and U.S. allies line up on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict.

“The focus was on the need for a cease-fire and political negotiations,” U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Karns told the Washington Examiner after the Monday meeting between the United States and the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord.