Tripoli: Three European countries on Thursday directed their citizens to immediately leave the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Thursday, citing an imminent threat of terrorist attack.
The deaths of at least 38 hostages in an attack on Algeria’s In Amenas gas complex near the Libyan border, and the start of French military operations in Mali has created complications for the foreigners in the region.
According to reports, officials declined to give details, but Britain has warned of a growing militant threat in North Africa, which Prime Minister David Cameron has called a “magnet for jihadists”.
“We are now aware of a specific and imminent threat to Westerners in Benghazi, and urge any British nationals who remain there against our advice to leave immediately,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Similar warnings came from Germany and the Netherlands.
“The warning was made because of a series of bits of information. We have our reasons, but I would not like to speak of details. Security is the most important thing,” German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told reporters during a visit to Lisbon.
Benghazi experienced a wave of violence against diplomats as well as military and police officers, including an attack in September that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.
Libyan deputy Interior Minister Omar al-Khadrawi said there were no more than 20 British nationals in Benghazi and most worked at international schools.
Last week Italy suspended activity at its Benghazi consulate and withdrew staff after a gun attack on its consul.
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