Latest news with #MitigaAirport
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
France & UK Call on Libya to Investigate Attacks on Diplomatic Staff
Foreign diplomatic missions in Libya have found themselves increasingly exposed to the country's volatile security environment, as recent armed clashes in Tripoli brought their operations directly into the line of fire. Both the French Embassy and a British diplomatic convoy came under attack in separate incidents amid ongoing power struggles between rival security groups aligned with or opposed to the interim Libyan government. According to French media, the French Embassy in Tripoli was hit four times by mortar fire on May 14, during some of the fiercest clashes the city has seen this year. The shelling, which occurred while embassy personnel were on site, caused structural damage and struck mere centimeters from staff areas, as confirmed by senior diplomatic officials. The ambassador's residence was also targeted, with one shell damaging its main gate. Despite the attack, French diplomatic operations continue, shielded by elite security personnel from the GIGN. However, officials acknowledge that the risks remain high, and contingency evacuation plans via air, land, or sea are in place. Since 2011, the French mission has evacuated Libya on three separate occasions due to instability. BFMTV, which documented embassy security operations on the ground, reported growing concern within French diplomatic circles about the vulnerability of foreign missions in Tripoli, especially as armed groups remain highly active and loosely regulated. While French officials did not conclusively state that the embassy was intentionally targeted, the nature of the attack raises significant questions about motive and the safety of diplomatic personnel. In a separate incident in June, a British diplomatic convoy was ambushed while returning from Mitiga Airport. The attack occurred in the Qargour district, where a group in a white Toyota Land Cruiser deliberately struck the convoy and opened fire. Although two vehicles were damaged, all British staff escaped unharmed. The embassy later ruled out an attempted kidnapping but denounced the incident as a severe threat to diplomatic security. The United Kingdom has demanded an official explanation from Libyan authorities and called for a full investigation. The attack comes amid wider concerns about the proliferation of armed groups in Tripoli and the deteriorating ability of the state to control them or protect international missions. These events coincide with the United States raising its travel advisory for Libya to Level 4, the highest category, citing heightened risks from terrorism, armed conflict, crime, and the possibility of sudden outbreaks of violence. The advisory warns of threats including kidnappings for ransom or political leverage, and underscores the danger of unexploded ordnance and limited emergency support. Tags: ClashesEmbassyfrancelibyatripoliUK
Libya Review
26-06-2025
- Politics
- 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
