Militants attack Libyan election commission, 12 killed

The site of suicide attack on Libyan electoral commission is seen in Tripoli, Libya, May 2, 2018 in this still picture obtained from social media video. (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

Libyan officials say an attack on the country’s electoral commission in the capital Tripoli has killed at least 12 people.

At least one of the attackers blew himself up inside while other militants stormed the building.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“[It] is a clear manifestation of everything that is wrong with the current shortsighted narrative of fake security and ‘progress,”’ said Hanan Salah of Human Rights Watch in a post on social media. Her group has underlined how elections will be difficult while Libya remains dominated by a patchwork of armed groups who continue extra-judicial killings, property confiscation, forced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture.

Libya has been in chaos since longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi was toppled and killed in 2011. The country is now split between rival governments, each backed by an array of militias. An internationally recognized administration has been set up in the western capital of Tripoli.

The uncertainty in Libya has opened the door to terror groups such as IS to set up camps. | via Voice of America

Popular

Palace slams Imee’s ‘baseless’ claims; PBBM unfazed by destabilizers, obstructionists

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Hindi mabigat ang alegasyon ni Senator Imee—walang basehan. Kuwentong walang kuwenta, kuwentong kutsero.” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains unbothered by political...

PH economy remains resilient amid various domestic issues

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet Malacañang announced on Tuesday that the country’s economy remains strong in the face of various issues that plague the administration of...

PBBM appoints new DOJ chief

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet A month after appointing former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, President Ferdinand R. Marcos...

PBBM visits Tino-hit Negros Occidental

By Brian Campued As part of the administration’s commitment to supporting the recovery of communities devastated by recent calamities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited...