US embassy in Libya evacuated, orders citizens to leave country

The United States embassy in strife-torn Libya was evacuated early Saturday, under cover of American warplanes and spy aircraft, according to the State Department and Pentagon.

Personnel from the embassy were evacuated as security deteriorated in the capital of Tripoli.

"Due to the ongoing violence resulting from clashes between Libyan militias in the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, we have temporarily relocated all of our personnel out of Libya," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

Embassy personnel were taken temporary offices in neighbouring Tunisia with security provided by U.S. forces.

"At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. military assisted in the relocation of personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya on Saturday, July 26," Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary said in a statement. "All embassy personnel were relocated, including the Marine security guards who were providing security at the embassy and during the movement."

The evacuation took place with surveillance planes providing watch, and warplanes patrolling to provide close-air support in the event of an attack.

Email from the U.S Embassy of #Libya to citizens to immediately evacuate!! pic.twitter.com/ggvWkhoFpL

— Assia Amry (@Libyan4life) July 26, 2014

"We are committed to supporting the Libyan people during this challenging time, and are currently exploring options for a permanent return to Tripoli as soon as the security situation on the ground improves. In the interim, staff will operate from Washington and other posts in the region," the US embassy said in a statement.

"Securing our facilities and ensuring the safety of our personnel are top Department priorities, and we did not make this decision lightly. Security has to come first. Regrettably, we had to take this step because the location of our embassy is in very close proximity to intense fighting and ongoing violence between armed Libyan factions...

"We will continue to engage all Libyans and the international community to seek a peaceful resolution to the current conflict and to advance Libya’s democratic transition. We reiterate that Libyans must immediately cease hostilities and begin negotiations to resolve their grievances. We join the international community in calling on all Libyans to respect the will of the people, including the authority of the recently-elected Council of Representatives, and to reject the use of violence to affect political processes. Many brave Libyans sacrificed to advance their country toward a more secure and prosperous future. We continue to stand solidly by the Libyan people as they endeavour to do so."

The heads of mission to Libya appointed by EU member states are still evaluating the situation in Libya, and as agreed, will only evacaute all European missions in a joint announcement. There has been no decision to that extent so far.

The streets of Tripoli have grown chaotic. Clashes between armed militias have killed and wounded dozens in the last few weeks. Militias, paid by the government, have been battling to control the city's airport.

Since the civil war in Libya in 2011 that toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the country has been unable to form a stable government. Violence has increased in recent weeks, prompting the embassy's evacuation.