Rocket Attack Targets UN Mission in Tripoli, No Casualties Reported

TDT | Manama

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TRIPOLI – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said its headquarters in Tripoli came under rocket fire on Friday, though no one was injured and the building was not damaged.

According to Libya’s interior ministry, security forces intercepted an attempted attack using an anti-tank missile aimed at the compound. Instead, the rocket struck a home in Janzour, a suburb on the outskirts of the capital. No details were given on how close the house was to the UN offices.

Authorities later seized a pickup truck loaded with two more missiles and a launch platform. However, officials have not yet identified who was behind the attack.

Libya has been deeply divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi. The country remains split between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east.

Violence has flared repeatedly in the capital. In May, fighting between rival armed groups left at least eight people dead, after authorities moved to dismantle powerful militias that had long operated with influence stronger than state institutions.

The attack on UNSMIL coincided with mission chief Hanna Tetteh’s briefing to the UN Security Council in New York. The mission confirmed that its compound was unharmed and praised Libyan authorities for their “swift response” and ongoing investigations.

The Tripoli-based government condemned the incident as a “failed attempt” to destabilize the country and strain Libya’s ties with the international community. It also reiterated its pledge to strengthen state security forces and reduce the power of illegal armed groups.