Tanks seized from pro-Gaddafi militia

24 August 2012

The Libyan government has seized over 100 tanks and 26 rocket launchers from pro-Gaddafi militia following a raid at a camp near Tripoli.

The raid near Tarhuna, around 40 miles southeast of Tripoli, was ordered as part of the search for the perpetrators of a double car bombing which left two people dead and four wounded in the Libyan capital on 19 August.

According to government officials, the tanks were seized from the 'Brigade of the Faithful'- Gaddafi loyalists who had previously blocked air traffic control at Tripoli Airport over the arrest of one of their senior leaders.

Abdelmonem al-Hur, spokesman for Libya's Interior Ministry said that one person was killed and a number of others injured during the raid.

Thirteen people, including the group's leader were arrested during the operation; however three militants managed to escape.

Hur added that the authorities had believed the group "defended Libya and the revolution, but it turned out to be contrary".