UK convoy attacked in Tripoli, threatening diplomacy with Libya

A UK diplomatic convoy was attacked in the capital city of Tripoli in Libya on June 26th, an attack which was only revealed now, according to Libya Review on July 15th.

Originally, the British Embassy in Tripoli steered clear of suggesting that the incident was a targeted kidnapping or assassination attempt, instead condemning it as a serious violation of diplomatic security.

The attack raises questions about the safety of foreign missions in Libya, with the capital, Tripoli, already facing rampant conflict and escalating tensions between the government and armed militias.

Embassies and international agencies have already raised alarm about the risk they face from militias whose powers largely go unchecked.

Reports published by the British media specify that the ambush was launched while the convoy was returning from the Mitiga International Airport.

According to Libya Review, another car rammed into one of the convoy vehicles at high speed, and then opened fire on the envoy. Two cars of the embassy were damaged, but no one was hurt.

The British Embassy has requested that Libyan authorities give a full explanation of what happened, and bring to justice the individuals responsible.

Diplomacy and international cooperation with Libya are not just threatened by violence- on July 9th it was reported that the eastern government of Libya deported an EU migration delegation and labelled them “unwelcome” because they visited the rival government in Tripoli first on their trip.

Libya was split into two rival administrations shortly after a NATO-led mission overthrew dictator Moammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The political divides do not just make it difficult for Libya to conduct diplomacy or make meaningful progress, but also to reign in the armed militias and the violence that is breaking out across the nations and now affecting foreign groups who want to help Libya.

Libya Review/Maghrebi