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03/29/2024 11:59:17 am

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Bomb Explodes At Spanish Embassy In Libya

A bomb has exploded in front of the Spanish Embassy in Tripoli, Libya Monday night, in a latest attack against foreign entities in the country. 

No one was reported hurt, as Spain, as well as other Western, Asian and Arab countries had pulled out its diplomats and employees months ago amid worsening fighting there between rival armed groups.  The embassy had been empty since July 31, 2014.

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The Islamic State later claimed responsibility over the attack through several Twitter accounts linked to the Libyan branch of the extremist group. 

"Islamic State extremists concealed an explosive device near an exterior wall of the Spanish embassy building in Tripoli, which caused some material damage to it and to neighboring buildings," local official Issam Naas said. 

Residents living near the embassy recalled hearing a very loud explosion as the device was detonated.  Photos posted on social media sites showed minimal damage to the building walls. 

Militant groups linked to the Islamic State had launched attacks against foreign nationals as well as against embassies in the past. 

The ISIS had taken advantage to sow terror in Libya as rival governments backed by armed groups fight over absolute control of the country since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi. 

Just days ago, the ISIS had claimed the killing of some 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya.  In February, the extremist group beheaded 21 Egyptian Copts off the Libyan coast. 

Last week on April 13, a bomb exploded near the Moroccan embassy in Tripoli, which had caused major damage to the compound.

Hours before that, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the South Korean embassy killing two local security guards.  Militants linked to the ISIS claimed responsibility for the two attacks. 

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