The US ambassador to Libya and three other embassy employees have been killed in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi following fierce clashes at the consulate compound. The incident followed a protest in neighbouring Egypt where demonstrators scaled the walls of the US embassy, tore down the American flag and burned it during a protest over what they said was a film that insulted Islam's Prophet Mohammad.
Armed gunmen attacked the compound on Tuesday evening, clashing with Libyan security forces.
The armed group is said to have been protesting a film being produced in the United States, angry that the film ridicules Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
The Libyan government insisted on Wednesday that the country would not be used for what it termed "cowardly reprisals."
Mohamed Almagariaf, president of Libyan General Congress, said,"A criminal act led to the death of the US Ambassador and three of his companions. The attack also caused injury to others and very large damage to the building. On behalf of the presidency of the National Congress and the Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the US government, the American people and the families of the Ambassador and the other victims."
President Obama on Wednesday condemned the attack and said the US would work with the Libyan government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Barack Obama, US president, said,"The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We are working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats and I’ve also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world - and make no mistake we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people. Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, but there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts."
Benghazi, the cradle of last year’s revolt that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, has been hit by several bombings and attacks on international convoys as well as some Western missions.