The US Department of State has maintained its Level 4: Do Not Travel travel advisory for Libya due to ongoing security risks throughout the country.
The department advised US citizens not to travel to Libya due to the potential for crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. It also pointed to the high prevalence of weapons and the potential for any time clashes to occur between armed groups and forces supporting the authorities.
The State Department reports that kidnappings and assassinations have occurred in various regions of Libya, and criminal networks are engaged in drug, people and goods trafficking. US citizens could also be among those targeted for kidnapping, it warned.
Read News: Libya’s Al-Menfi Rejects Prolonged Transition, Calls for Unified State Institutions
The department also warned of potential terrorist attacks with no warning, and that demonstrations could become violent and interfere with transportation and essential services.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance also pose a significant danger, with their locations not always known or clearly marked, the advisory said.
The State Department said that the United States currently has no embassy in Libya, which limits the US government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to American citizens in the country.
US citizens who decide to visit Libya in spite of the warning have been urged to make their own emergency departure plans and make appropriate security and communication arrangements. They should also pass on vital papers and information to trusted people.
The State Department emphasized that Libya’s travel advisory remains unchanged and the country remains at Level 4: “Do Not Travel.”
