US Embassy in Libya shut down, staff evacuated as violence grows
The US embassy in Libya has shut down and all diplomatic staff have been evacuated to neighboring Tunisia by military escort because of ongoing clashes and violence between rival militias sweeping the country.
The State Department reported on the evacuation and violence in the region. Some 150 personnel including 80 Marines were moved across the border “due to the ongoing violence”, State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf tweeted.
(2/2) …we have temporarily relocated all of our personnel out of Libya.
— Marie Harf (@marieharf) July 26, 2014
Benghazi is hardly a closed issue as the violence in Libya continues with the embassy closing
Benghazi safehouse on fire following the September 11 attack photo supplied by State Dept
“We had to take this step because the location of our embassy is in very close proximity to intense fighting…between armed Libyan factions,” she added.
A new Libya travel warning was issued by the US State Department on Saturday, advising against all travel and recommending that US citizens “depart immediately”.
“The security situation in Libya remains unpredictable and unstable. The Libyan government has not been able to adequately build its military and police forces and improve security following the 2011 revolution,” the travel warning explained.
Safety of U.S. staff overseas is an increasing concern for the OBama administration and Libya was been wrought with issues and controversies since the deadly 2012 attack in Benghazi, during which four diplomatic personnel died, including the then US ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
New clashes broke out at Tripoli airport on Friday between rival Libyan militant groups attempting to seize control of it. Loud explosions rang through its grounds following 13 continuous days of shelling which have severed air links between the city and the outside world.
“Many military-grade weapons remain in the hands of private individuals, including antiaircraft weapons that may be used against civilian aviation,” emphasized the travel warning.
More of the top stories on The Dispatch covering Libya – click HERE for a list
For more specifics on Benghazi, the hearings and more – get that list of stories HERE
