Post date: Jan 24, 2013 10:54:22 PM
Britain on Thursday urges British nationals to leave Libya's Benghazi due to "specific and imminent" threat to Westerners.
BENGHAZI, LIBYA (JANUARY 24, 2013) (REUTERS) - Libyans expressed concerns over security in Benghazi after Britain urged its nationals to leave the city due to threat to Westerners.
On Thursday (January 24) Britain's Foreign Office said it a statement that it was aware of a "specific and imminent" threat to Westerners in Benghazi and urged "any British nationals who remain there against our advice to leave immediately."The Foreign Office declined to give more details about the nature of the threat in the city, cradle of the 2011 revolution that toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
In the streets of Benghazi, Libyans had mixed reactions to Britain's latest security warning.
"When foreigners come here to Libya, we're capable of protecting them. Thanks to our guys who're able to protect Libyans and all of their guests," said Ahmed Al-Mismari.
"The departure of diplomats and the United Nations from Libya is a negative signal that shows how poor security is. We must all pay attention to this," said Ayyoub Zayid.
An attack on the U.S. mission in the eastern city in September last year killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, part of a wave of violence targeting foreign diplomats, military and police officers.
Libya has been awash with weapons since then, and its shaky nascent institutions have struggled to rein in armed groups keen on ensuring they receive what they see as their fair share of power for helping to oust Gaddafi.
Benghazi in particular has been the scene of power struggles between various armed Islamist factions.