Gunmen snatch 5 mln USD in bank robbery in Libya's Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Bank in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Sunday was robbed by gunmen, stealing seven million Libyan Dinars (five million U.S. dollars), according to a bank official.

The official told Xinhua that a number of gunmen came in two cars and attacked the bank, located in downtown Tripoli, stealing seven million Libyan Dinars before leaving.

"The attack was sudden and fast. The gunmen, who were carrying many weapons, surrounded the main gate of the bank and threatened to kill staff if they follow them." The official added.

Libya has suffered continuing lawlessness since the 2011 civil war. The largest armed bank robbery in Libya is in the city of Sirte last year, when a group of gunmen attacked a vehicle of the Libyan central bank carrying money to Sirte branch.

The money stolen was about 50 million Libyan Dinars (35.7 million dollars) along with foreign currencies.

Source http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2014-12/22/c_133869731.htm