UK Denies Embassy Convoy Was Targeted in Armed Attack in Libya
The British Embassy in Libya has denied reports claiming its diplomatic convoy was targeted in a robbery attempt in Tripoli. A diplomatic source clarified that while the convoy came under gunfire early Tuesday morning, there was no indication the attack was an attempted hijacking.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. as three embassy vehicles were returning from Mitiga Airport. Near the Qargji area, a white Toyota Land Cruiser, allegedly linked to an armed group under the Government of National Unity, obstructed one of the embassy's vehicles before intentionally ramming it.
Shortly after the collision, gunmen in the Land Cruiser fired at the convoy, damaging two of the vehicles. However, no casualties were reported, and all embassy personnel reached safety.
The British Embassy has since demanded clarification and accountability from Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba's government, urging a full investigation into the armed group's involvement.
The embassy emphasized that the gunfire was not directly aimed at killing or injuring staff, but condemned the aggression as a serious threat to diplomatic safety. It also confirmed that no personnel were harmed in the attack.
This latest security breach comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of armed groups in Tripoli and their unchecked influence, especially at a time of heightened political instability and civilian protests across the capital.
The British mission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a diplomatic presence in Libya while expecting greater protection and coordination from the host government. Tags: Armed AttackBritish Embassylibyatripoli
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Libya Review
UN Condemns Calls for Violence Against Staff in Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed deep concern over recent statements by certain Libyan political figures who, according to the mission, appear to not only endorse public protests but actively encourage illegal actions against UN staff and property. In a statement, the mission warned that 'campaigns of incitement and disinformation' could signal efforts to derail political progress aimed at holding national elections, unifying state institutions, and achieving lasting peace in Libya. UNSMIL called on all parties to uphold the peaceful nature of demonstrations, refrain from unlawful actions, and resolve disputes through constructive dialogue. The mission referenced the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and its agreement with Libyan authorities, which guarantee the inviolability of UN premises. It urged full respect for the UN's facilities, staff, and assets in accordance with international law. The statement follows an incident last Tuesday, when protesters stormed the UN mission's compound in Janzour, west of Tripoli, shortly after UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya. Videos circulated on social media showed demonstrators demanding the expulsion of the UN mission and the resignation of the Government of National Unity led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba. In response, UNSMIL met with a delegation representing the demonstrators from the western region. The mission noted that the group voiced their frustration with the continued political and economic deterioration across Libya. Reaffirming its 'unconditional respect' for the right to peaceful protest, UNSMIL stressed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with all Libyans. The mission said it had received petitions from protesters during previous demonstrations and would continue to do so, promoting mutual respect and open discussion. Tags: Janzourlibyatripoliununsmil
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Libya Review
UK Denies Embassy Convoy Was Targeted in Armed Attack in Libya
The British Embassy in Libya has denied reports claiming its diplomatic convoy was targeted in a robbery attempt in Tripoli. A diplomatic source clarified that while the convoy came under gunfire early Tuesday morning, there was no indication the attack was an attempted hijacking. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. as three embassy vehicles were returning from Mitiga Airport. Near the Qargji area, a white Toyota Land Cruiser, allegedly linked to an armed group under the Government of National Unity, obstructed one of the embassy's vehicles before intentionally ramming it. Shortly after the collision, gunmen in the Land Cruiser fired at the convoy, damaging two of the vehicles. However, no casualties were reported, and all embassy personnel reached safety. The British Embassy has since demanded clarification and accountability from Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba's government, urging a full investigation into the armed group's involvement. The embassy emphasized that the gunfire was not directly aimed at killing or injuring staff, but condemned the aggression as a serious threat to diplomatic safety. It also confirmed that no personnel were harmed in the attack. This latest security breach comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of armed groups in Tripoli and their unchecked influence, especially at a time of heightened political instability and civilian protests across the capital. The British mission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a diplomatic presence in Libya while expecting greater protection and coordination from the host government. Tags: Armed AttackBritish Embassylibyatripoli
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Libya Review
Global Powers Support UNSMIL Roadmap to Resolve Libyan Crisis
At the latest UN Security Council session on Libya, key international representatives expressed deep concern over the country's fragile political and security situation, underscoring a growing consensus on the need for a Libyan-led political solution and institutional reform. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed the UK's alarm over recent violence in Tripoli, urging restraint and constructive engagement from all parties. She welcomed the progress made at the Berlin Follow-up Committee meeting, while warning that Libya's deteriorating political and economic trajectory threatens its stability and sovereignty. Woodward reaffirmed UK support for UNSMIL's roadmap efforts and highlighted the importance of holding credible elections. The US Ambassador echoed support for a Libyan-owned political process, highlighting the independence of institutions like the Central Bank and the National Oil Corporation as vital to long-term stability. She emphasised military integration and arms embargo renewal as key to preventing Libya's entanglement in regional conflicts, and welcomed progress toward East-West security coordination. Russia's representative attributed Libya's crisis to internal political fragmentation, calling for a truly comprehensive process inclusive of all factions. He advocated for unifying the armed forces and warned against imposing external recovery solutions, noting that some political forces have rejected the Advisory Committee's proposals. China's deputy permanent representative Sun Lei emphasised the political process as the cornerstone of regional stability, urging Libyan parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and establish firm security arrangements. He also warned that Libya's worsening economic crisis and currency depreciation could undermine national stability. Algeria's Ambassador Amar Benjama described last month's Tripoli clashes as alarming, reiterating the need to re-establish state authority and disarm illegal groups. He called for a UN-backed, Libyan-led political transition leading to elections and institutional unification, while expressing concern over the depletion of Libya's frozen assets due to mismanagement and outdated sanctions regimes.
