U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Paul talks to reporters en route to Libya . Libyan officials have said they are cooperating closely with U.S. authorities in investigating Tuesday 's attack in Benghazi , which they have strongly condemned . He says recent events reinforce the need for a strong military presence in the Mideast . U.S. military capabilities in the region have been ` ` enhanced '' in recent days , he says . Panetta calls Libyan officials ' ` ` strong effort '' in response to a deadly crisis .
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Paul talks to reporters en route to Libya . He says recent events reinforce the need for a strong military presence in the Mideast . U.S. military capabilities in the region have been ` ` enhanced '' in recent days , he says . Panetta calls Libyan officials ' ` ` strong effort '' in response to a deadly crisis .