-
Advertisement
World

Blasts near Libya courthouse injure 13

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
People gather at an explosion site in Benghazi, Libya. Photo: Xinhua

Two powerful explosions went off near the courthouse in Libya’s second city of Benghazi late on Sunday, wounding 13 people, security and medical sources said.

The blasts came a day after more than 1,000 inmates escaped during a prison riot in the eastern city, birthplace of the 2011 armed uprising that ousted and killed dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Mohamed Hijazi, spokesman for the security services in Benghazi, said two suitcase bombs had caused the blasts.

Advertisement

They went off as people gathered to break the Ramadan fast.

Initial reports from security officials spoke of 10 people injured, but a medical source at al-Haouari hospital later updated that to 13.

Advertisement

Local residents told AFP that nearby buildings were badly damaged in the blast.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x