Tripoli, 14 November 2013:
A number of embassies in the Dhara district of Tripoli have been described as “extremely upset” by last . . .[restrict]Thursday’s armed clashes, which damaged a number of high-profile buildings.
Several diplomatic buildings were hit by indiscriminate passing gunfire, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said at Sunday’s press conference. He added that, as a consequence, two embassies were seriously considering reducing their staff presence in Libya.
He listed key buildings which had been hit, including the Mahari Radisson Blu and Waddan hotels, which house some diplomatic staff, and the Turkish and Italian embassies.
An armed group entered the Waddan, Zeidan said, and terrorised guests, including senior diplomatic staff. Possessions and money were apparently taken at gunpoint, which was confirmed to the Libya Herald by a diplomatic source. This source added that one of the perpetrators appeared to be on drugs and, after stealing possessions, left his Kalashnikov behind and had to return for it.
Several government buildings in the neighbourhood were also struck by passing gunfire, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Planning. [/restrict]
