By Sami Zaptia.
London, 22 February 2021:
The Tripoli Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagh, insists that what he referred to as an assassination attempt on him yesterday was well planned and not an accident.
He was referring to yesterday’s incident between his convoy of guards and a passing vehicle from another state-recognized security force in Janzur in which one was killed.
Speaking to Reuters on a video clip widely circulated on social media, Bashagha said the vehicle of the assailants had been parked and took off after his convoy passed it.
The alleged assailants belonged to the state security force, the Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA). It was created by outgoing prime minister Faiez Serraj.
The SSA have totally rejected Bashagha’s narrative. They claim it was a misunderstanding and and accident. Moreover, they claim Bashagha’s security convoy opened fire on their personnel first.
The incident has been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. Both the U.S Embassy and UNSMIL have condemned it. The EU expressed concern.
EU concerned by Bashagha security incident | (libyaherald.com)
UNSMIL condemns Bashagha attack | (libyaherald.com)
U.S Embassy condemns attack on Interior Minister Bashagha | (libyaherald.com)
Tripoli Interior Minister Bashagha survives alleged assassination attempt | (libyaherald.com)
