Libya: At Least Three Killed in Terror Attack against Foreign Ministry

Libya was hit again this Tuesday by another ISIS terror attack, which targeted the foreign ministry in Tripoli. At least three people were killed and over ten wounded by suicide bombers, according to local security officials.

Witnesses said attackers stormed the building and started shooting as heavy gunfire was heard. Explosions were heard and heavy smoke rose from the building, which was surrounded by security forces.

According to press reports, two of the attackers blew themselves up in the ministry while the third one was shot dead by the guards in an exchange of fire before he could detonate his explosive vest.

This is the third attack launched against state institutions in Tripoli this year. This attack comes after the seizure by the internationally recognized Libyan authorities at a port near Tripoli of a container laden with weapons and ammunition coming from Turkey.

The cargo included 3,000 handguns, 400 hunting rifles in addition to 2.3 million bullets. This is the second weapons seizure made by the Libyan authorities, which are struggling to restore stability since the 2011 revolution that ousted long-time leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The North African country has been divided between rival governments, parliaments and military factions based in the east and west of the country since 2014, causing political deadlock and an economic crisis.