02 May 2018 | 09:58 PM UTC
Libya: State of emergency declared in Tripoli May 3 /update 2
State of emergency declared in Tripoli May 3 following May 2 suicide attack on High National Election Commission (HNEC); schools and businesses closed
Event
The Central Security Directorate has issued a state of emergency for Tripoli on Thursday, May 3. Schools and businesses will be closed on Thursday. The decision comes after multiple assailants attacked the High National Election Commission (HNEC) building in Tripoli on Wednesday, May 2, killing at least 14 people and wounding some 20 others. The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack. A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are expected in Tripoli while the state of emergency is in effect.
Context
IS militants continue to carry out attacks targeting security forces and infrastructure in Libya since being driven from their former stronghold of Sirte in late 2016 by pro-Government of National Accord (GNA) forces, supported by US airstrikes.
Libya has been divided by rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and the country is likely to remain unstable in the near-term amid the ongoing civil war.
Advice
Individuals in Tripoli are advised to monitor the situation and to obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
