Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

Overview: In 2012, Libya was marked by grave insecurity, most apparent in the September 11
terrorist attack that resulted in the death of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three staff
members. The prevalence of loose weapons, the continued ability of extra-governmental militias
to act with impunity, the country’s porous borders, and the lack of government capacity to apply
the rule of law outside of Tripoli contributed to this insecurity.
Despite these challenges, on July 7, the Transitional National Council peacefully transferred
power to a new, democratically elected parliament, the General National Congress. Prime
Minister Ali Zeidan and his cabinet have prioritized efforts to strengthen and centralize national
security institutions, integrate and disarm armed militias, and confront criminal and terrorist
groups that have taken advantage of the security vacuum. This government has recognized that
continued instability threatens Libya’s democratic transition and economic future.
The United States remains committed to Libya’s democratic transition and focused on Libya’s
insecurity and the need to support Libya’s government in its efforts to address it. The State
Department and USAID have provided funding to implementers who support Libya’s emerging
civil society, advised Libya’s new political leaders, and empowered minority communities as
they seek to understand and participate in the democratic transition, particularly the drafting of a
constitution that denounces violence and ensures the rights of all Libyans.
2012 Terrorist Incidents: The list of incidents below highlights some of the most significant
terrorist attacks of the year. Violence was particularly prevalent in the East and in Bani Walid,
one of the last strongholds of Qadhafi loyalists.
On February 6, gunmen allegedly killed five refugees in a Tripoli camp.
On May 22, assailants launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s building in Benghazi. The violent Islamist
extremist group Brigades of Captive Omar Abdul Rahman claimed responsibility for the
attack. The ICRC evacuated Benghazi in mid-July.
On June 4, approximately 200 armed fighters from the al-Awfea Brigade surrounded the
international airport in Tripoli. The gunmen drove armed trucks onto the tarmac and
surrounded several planes, which forced the airport to cancel all fights. The armed men
were demanding the release of one of their military leaders who was being held by
Tripoli’s security forces.
On June 6, violent extremists attacked the U.S. facilities in Benghazi with an improvised
explosive device (IED). The group claimed that the attack was in retaliation for the
assassination of Abu-Yahya al-Libi, the second highest ranking leader of al-Qa’ida.
On June 11, a convoy carrying the British Ambassador to Libya was attacked in
Benghazi.
On June 12, assailants attacked the ICRC office in Misrata, wounding one.
In August, there was a series of attacks against security personnel and facilities, including
the bombing of the Benghazi military intelligence offices on August 1, a car bombing
near the Tripoli military police offices on August 4, and the explosion of three car bombs
near the Interior Ministry and other security buildings in Tripoli on August 19, killing at
least two. Libyan security officials arrested 32 members of an organized network loyal to
Qadhafi.
On August 10, Army General Hadiya al-Feitouri was assassinated in Benghazi.
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