CaliToday (23/8/2025): Libyan authorities announced today that they have successfully thwarted a significant and well-planned attack targeting the main office of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in the capital city of Tripoli. The operation, conducted by national security and counter-terrorism units, resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of explosive materials, averting a potentially catastrophic incident.
In a statement released this morning, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the security operation was launched following a credible intelligence tip regarding a militant cell planning an imminent assault on the heavily fortified UN compound. A pre-emptive raid was carried out in the early hours of the morning on a safe house in a suburb of Tripoli.
"Our forces acted swiftly and professionally to neutralize this grave threat to national and international security," said a spokesperson for the Ministry. "We can confirm that several individuals linked to the plot have been taken into custody. During the raid, security personnel discovered a significant quantity of high explosives, detonators, automatic weapons, and a vehicle that was being prepared to be used as a car bomb."
The foiled plot is a stark reminder of the volatile security landscape that persists in Libya, even as the country strives for political stability. The United Nations and other diplomatic missions are often considered high-value targets by extremist groups seeking to destabilize the government and undermine the international community's peace-building efforts.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of UNSMIL released a statement expressing profound gratitude to the Libyan authorities for their decisive action.
"We extend our deepest appreciation to the Libyan security forces for their vigilance and professionalism in preventing this heinous attack," the statement read. "Such plots will not deter the United Nations from its mission to support the Libyan people in their quest for peace, stability, and democracy. We remain committed to our work, standing side-by-side with Libya."
Security has been visibly heightened around the UN headquarters and other key diplomatic and governmental buildings throughout Tripoli in the wake of the incident. Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire network behind the planned attack and to bring all responsible parties to justice.
This successful counter-terrorism operation is being seen as a significant achievement for Libya's reconstituted security apparatus, demonstrating an increasing capability to manage complex internal security threats. International partners have commended the action, reiterating the importance of continued support for strengthening Libya's security and intelligence institutions.
