The Hill News

President Obama huddled with his national security team via conference call Sunday to discuss the country's military operation in Libya.

The president, who is on a trade misson in South America, phoned Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough and AFRICOM Commander Gen. Carter Ham, who is overseeing the engagement.

Obama has had to juggle the civil unrest in Libya and the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan while traveling to Brazil. Some political figures have criticized the president for going ahead with the trip, accusing him of being unfocused. But the White House has said Obama is able to handle multiple problems.

According to a White House readout, Ham briefed Obama on the U.S. military strikes, which began Saturday. The U.S. is participating in the mission as part of an international coalition that includes Britain, France, and other European and Arab na! tions.