The Pentagon is likely to withdraw its troops from the international operation in Libya, hoping NATO allies would provide weapons and training for Libyan rebels fighting Libyan leader Gaddafi’s government, Interfax reports.

The statement drew controversial response at the U.S. Congress. The remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen were labeled as “odd,” “troubling” and “unnerving”.

U.S. troops will end their mission on April 2.