Libyan oil company stormed by gunmen

LIBYAN security forces have stormed the headquarters of the country’s national oil company in the capital Tripoli shortly after gunmen had taken hostages and set off explosions in the building.

The health ministry said two people were killed and 10 others were injured in yesterday’s attack.

Health official Malek Merset had said earlier that there were dozens of injuries caused by the gunfire, smoke inhalation or explosions.

At least one explosion rocked the building after the gunmen went in, starting a fire that swiftly spread through the lower floors.

Mustafa Sanallah, head of the Libyan National Oil Company, told a Libyan television channel that explosions and an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the building’s security guards had caused an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.

“The building was heavily damaged due to the fire. Smoke is everywhere,” Mr Sanallah said.

“The gunmen attacked the lower floors with random shooting and explosions. It’s a very violent attack.”

There was no word on the fate of the gunmen, described by Libyan officials as “terrorists”, or whether they were still holding hostages.

The UN mission in Libya condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly”, and called on Libya to cease “futile side conflicts” and unite to rid the nation of terrorism. AT LEAST four people have died after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the gate of a district headquarters in Somalia. Another district headquarters was attacked on September 2.