Gunmen attack Libya’s oil firm building in Tripoli, explosion heard

A number of armed men attacked the headquarters of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) in the Libyan capital and several blasts could be heard, witnesses said.

Gunfire could be heard as a security force allied to the Tripoli-based government arrived at the landmark building located in central Tripoli.

“Three or five gunmen were shooting inside the building,” an NOC staff told Reuters news agency after he said he had jumped out of a window to flee. “Several people were shot.”

No claim of attack was immediately made as firefighters and ambulances arrived to treat wounded streaming out of the building.

The NOC building is covered mainly in glass, and a witness said several people had been wounded by shattered windows.

Security force were smashing windows so staff could escape, witnesses said.

Smoke could be seen rising as security forces took up positions around the offices in central Tripoli and surrounding roads were cordoned off.

A member of staff from a hotel next to the NOC offices said he had heard about five blasts.