Two dead in Libyan building attack
National oil company headquarters stormed
BENGHAZI, Libya — Security forces loyal to Libya’s U.n.-backed government on Monday stormed the headquarters of the country’s national oil company in the capital Tripoli shortly after gunmen invaded the building, shooting randomly, setting off explosions and taking hostages, officials said.
The Health Ministry said two people were killed and 10 others wounded in the attack. The company confirmed these casualty figures in a separate statement, adding that they were all company employees.
“There were a number of explosions inside the building and intense shooting, with a number of staff temporarily held hostage,” the company said.
The officials said explosions rocked the glass-and-steel building soon after the gunmen stormed it, starting a fire that swiftly spread through the lower floors.
Mustafa Sanallah, head of the Libyan National Oil Company, told a local television channel that the explosions and an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the building’s security guards were behind the casualties.
Earlier, the Interior Minister of the U.n.-backed government, Brig. Gen. Abdul-salam Ashour, said the attack was carried out by six gunmen.
A statement by the Tripoli-based government said security forces had “efficiently” dealt with the incident, “saving all employees and killing the terrorists,” adding that security agencies are working to identify the attackers and “those behind them.”
The U.N. mission in Libya condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly,” and called on Libya to cease their “futile side conflicts” and unite to rid their nation of terrorism.
“We solemnly mourn the death of those martyred by the terrorists and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Sanallah was quoted as saying in the company statement.
Monday’s attack followed recent fighting in Tripoli between rival armed groups, which left at least 61 people dead. A cease-fire has been in place since last week.
In its statement, the government said Monday’s attackers exploited the recent spate of fighting between rival groups in the capital to “infiltrate (the city) and commit their crime.”