TRIPOLI, Libya, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- At least two gunmen with possible links to the Islamic State have attacked the popular Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, Libya's capital.
Reports claim that at least 6 people are dead and 12 injured.
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The attack happened on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli's northern coast in Libya. Google Maps.
There are also reports of hostages being taken and of some of the attackers blowing themselves up.
A car bomb exploded after the gunmen began their attack outside the hotel, which is a popular tourist destination.
Pictures of two Corinthia Hotel attackers pic.twitter.com/iERqPh8QDY
— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) January 27, 2015"I suddenly heard shootings and saw people running towards me," a witness told BBC. "We all escaped from the back [of the hotel] through the garage underground. The hotel did a lockdown after that."
A Twitter account connected to the Islamic State said it carried out the attack.
Security personnel said one gunman was arrested and that another two were still in the hotel. Security also said they received a threat to "empty the building" some days ago.
The Libya Observer reports that the Ministry of Interior said that the gunmen in the attack are connected to the regime of former Prime Minister of Libya Muammar Gaddafi.
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- Topics
- Islamic State
