Gunmen storm Libyan parliament
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Gunmen storm Libyan parliament, 18 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a13a2319.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 18, 2014
Gunmen have stormed the Libyan parliament building in Tripoli and raided lawmakers' offices.
Lawmaker Omar Bushah said gunmen forced their way into the General National Congress on May 18 and set part of the building on fire.
A rogue Libyan general said his forces attacked the parliament to arrest Islamists there.
Muhammad al-Hegazi, a spokesman for General Khalifa Hiftar, claimed responsibility for the attack in comments to Libya's Al-Alahar television station after shooting started outside parliament.
The attack came just hours after new Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq announced a new government had been formed.
In eastern Libya, fierce fighting continued in the city of Benghazi, where troops loyal to General Hiftar have been fighting with Islamist militia groups.
Libya's Health Ministry said at least 70 people have been killed in Benghazi since fighting broke out there on May 16.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
