In light of the security situation in Tripoli, Libya, where local militias are engaging in violence in the immediate vicinity of the US Embassy, the US State Department has issued a travel warning for Libya. The warning superceded the May 27 warning, and is based on “clear and present danger” of kidnapping, violent attacks and death.
The State Department warned all US citizens against travel to Libya and recommended all US citizens in Libya should exercise extreme caution and depart the country immediately. NGO workers and travellers should also be aware that they may be targeted for kidnapping, violent attacks, or death, warned the State Department.
The State Department also stated that Libyan groups have called for attacks against US citizens and US interests.
The US Embassy has relocated embassy staff and suspended all embassy operations. The evacuation took place under the protection of fighter jets, marines, a drone and a V-22 Osprey. The evacuees were sent to neighboring Tunisia.
US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said that the US is grateful to Tunisia “for its cooperation and support.” She said the personnel are “traveling onward” from Tunisia.
The current violence in Libya stems from the 2011 revolution and is carried on with military-grade weapons that remain in the hands of private individuals. The equipment includes anti-aircraft weapons.
US Vice President John Kerry made clear that the US was not closing the US embassy.
Hraf stated the US’s continued support for Libya, “We are committed to supporting the Libyan people during this challenging time, and are currently exploring options for a permanent return to Tripoli as soon as the security situation on the ground improves. In the interim, staff will operate from Washington and other posts in the region.
“Securing our facilities and ensuring the safety of our personnel are top Department priorities,” continued Hraf, “and we did not make this decision lightly. Security has to come first. Regrettably, we had to take this step because the location of our embassy is in very close proximity to intense fighting and ongoing violence between armed Libyan factions.”
Former US ambassador Jim Jeffry stated that the US tries to maintain its prescence in nations like Libya, even in dire situations, but when “you do have very clear and present danger–and that was the case in Tripoli over the last few days–you suspent operations at an embassy.”
By James Halevy