US warns Americans about traveling to Libya

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON (AA) – The State Department on Thursday warned U.S. citizens about traveling to Libya and urged those currently there to depart immediately.

Americans in Libya should make "contingency emergency plans and maintain security awareness at all times," the agency said in a statement, citing the security situation that remains "unpredictable and unstable" and groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests.

"Foreigners may be targeted by violent extremist groups seeking to injure, kidnap or kill anyone associated with the United States," the statement said.

"Violent extremist activity in Libya remains high."

The warning comes after forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government announced that they had captured a town near Sirte following a month-long military operation aimed at retaking the north central city from the Daesh terrorist group.