US News

US Embassy office in eastern Libya attacked; no injuries or deaths

BENGHAZI, Libya — A US Embassy office in the eastern city of Benghazi came under attack from an improvised explosive device (IED) late Tuesday, but nobody was killed or injured in the attack.

“There was an attack late last night [late Tuesday night] on the United States office in Benghazi,” a US embassy official told AFP.

“The US deplores the attack on its diplomatic mission in Benghazi,” the official added.

Only the gate of the embassy office was damaged in the attack. A request has been made to Libyan authorities to step up security around US facilities in Libya.

The incident comes amid renewed unrest in the North African country. On Monday, Libyan authorities forcibly regained control of Tripoli international airport after a militia of ex-rebels seized the tarmac and grounded flights.

The group was reportedly trying to gain information about its missing leader. The attack ended when the Transitional National Council (TNC) authorized the interior and defense ministries — who oversee a broad constellation of brigades made up of former rebels — to “use all means necessary, including force,” to retake the airport.

A US diplomatic mission was established in Benghazi following the 2011 uprising against the former leader Moamar Ghadafi. It has since been kept open to support the fledgling nation.