Libya’s interim government deployed military and security forces in downtown Tripoli on Friday to contain anti-Israel protests.
Interior Ministry units barricaded Sikkat Road near the Council of Ministers and closed off surrounding streets, witnesses said. Opposition groups had announced protests following the suspension and investigation of Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush over revealed talks between Libyan and Israeli officials on establishing diplomatic ties.
Earlier this week, demonstrators burned down the Tripoli home of interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in outrage over the Libya-Israel normalization talks.
Photos circulating online showed armed soldiers and police vehicles fortifying the area ahead of the planned demonstrations.