UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N.’s special representative for Libya warned the Security Council on Tuesday that France’s military offensive in northern Mali may drive Islamic insurgents out and across the porous borders with Algeria and into Libya.

U.N. officials including peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous have said that the Islamist occupation of northern Mali was partly triggered by the downfall of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, as well-trained militiamen fled into Mali with looted heavy weapons, driving back the Malian army.