Explosive device strikes UN convoy in Libya; no injuries

Explosive device strikes UN convoy in Libya; no injuries

2012-04-12 07:32:32 GMT+7 (ICT)

BENGHAZI, LIBYA (BNO NEWS) -- An explosive device was thrown at a United Nations (UN) convoy in northern Libya on Tuesday afternoon, but no injuries or deaths were reported, officials said on Wednesday.

UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMI) spokesperson Hua Jiang said the incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. local time in the Libyan city of Benghazi as a UN convoy was carrying the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNSMIL, Ian Martin, who was in the city for various engagements.

"Luckily nobody was hurt but the SRSG cut short his visit and has returned to Tripoli," Jiang told UN Radio, adding that it is not known who the perpetrators were. Jiang said the matter is now being handled by local authorities. "As far as we understand, an investigation has been launched," said Jiang.

UNSMIL was established by the UN Security Council last year to assist transitional authorities in the North African nation in their reconstruction efforts after months of civil war which led to the toppling of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed in October.

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