No group immediately claimed the attack, but the bombing was one of the deadliest since Islamist militants started expanding their presence in the chaos that followed the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
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At least 70 people were killed on Thursday when a truck bomb exploded at a police camp in Libya’s northwestern coastal city of Zliten, a local hospital reported.
“I am shocked at this reprehensible terrorist attack”.
Underlining the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, the Council stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under global law and relevant Security Council resolutions to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard. While this would make the base a prime target for smugglers, since many of their operations were foiled by border patrol previous year, auto bombs aren’t their usual M.O., suggesting that Islamic militants were behind Thursday’s attack. Local and worldwide news reports on the death toll varied, with some saying at least 47 people were killed and others putting the number at 65.
The United Nations brokered the unity government deal that was signed by politicians last month, but the agreement does not have the full backing of Libya’s rival parliaments.
These incidents stress again the urgent need for Libya’s new leaders to formalize the Government of National Accord (GNA), as outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement.
The country has been split into areas run by two governments – only one of which is recognised by the global community. The port and a nearby terminal at Es Sider came under attack from militants earlier this week, in their most concerted effort to date against Libya’s oil infrastructure.
Libya has descended into chaos since the overthrow of Gaddafi.
United Nations envoy on Libya Martin Kobler denounced the attack.
At least four oil storage tanks have been set on fire during the fighting, which also killed at least 10 security guards, according to the National Oil Company and Ali al-Hassi, a spokesman for guards at Al-Sidra.
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On Friday, Libya’s Daesh branch, which calls itself IS Barqa Province, released a statement claiming the attack which took place in the town of Ra’s Lanouf, located east of Sirte.
