Libya: Benghazi Car Bomb Targets Hospital Killing Nine

A car bomb has exploded in a crowded parking lot outside Jala hospital in the Libyan city of Benghazi.

A security official told AFP that there were several dead and wounded.

Last week, a bomb exploded outside a police station in the Libyan eastern city.

First reports by security official Abdel-Salam al-Barghathi said that nine people, including three children were killed in the explosion and 13 were injured.

A grey Toyota Previa was used in the attack.

Former Revolutionary Commander Rami El Obeidi confirmed the blast:

I confirm bombing at Jala Hospital in #Benghazi, awaiting assessment of damage and casualties. This is further escalation. #Libya

— Rami EL OBEIDI (@ramielobeidi) May 13, 2013

Last year, the American diplomatic mission at Benghazi was attacked by a heavily armed group. Four people were killed, including US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

The then-Seceretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was absolved from wrongdoing in the much-criticised response to the attacks. Republicans have questioned why the the US military did not move faster to stop the two attacks that occurred over several hours in September.

MORE TO FOLLOW...