Saudi closes embassy in Libya, evacuates diplomats

Saudi Arabia closed its embassy and consulate in the Libyan capital and withdrew all of its diplomatic staff on Monday due to security concerns, the ambassador said.

“All the diplomatic staff has left the Libyan capital aboard a private plane due to the security situation through which Libya is passing,” ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud al-Ali said in a statement reported on the state news agency SPA.

The government insists it remains in control despite a series of clashes at the weekend, including the parliament building being overrun by militiamen.

Libya’s leaders have struggled to bring stability to the country since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011.