Office of Libyan prime minister attacked in Tripoli

Gunmen believed to be ex-rebels Former Libyan rebels armed with anti-aircraft guns attacked the interim government’s headquarters in Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least two people and wounding many, an interior ministry official said.

“Between two to four guards were killed and many others are wounded,” the official said.
A dozen pick-up trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns were surrounding the building, agencies reported.
It is unclear whether the prime minister, Abdul Rahim el-Keeb, was there. Some reports say he fled the scene after the attack started.
Eyewitnesses told Arabstoday that the scene outside the headquarters resembled a \"warzone\".
Witnesses also reported seeing ambulances rushing to the scene of the attack.
The attackers are believed to be former rebels who fought to topple Muammar Gaddafi last year, who are angry over the suspension of a reward scheme which paid out stipends.
The scheme was later suspended amid allegations of fraud.
At least one person - a security guard - has been injured, and is inside the building.
Most people inside the building have fled, including the finance minister and the deputy prime minister. The roads leading to the building are blocked.
\"Many men encircled the building and opened fire against it with weapons including anti-aircraft cannons,\" a government employee told AFP news agency.
\"Some men entered the premises and fired from inside,\" he added.
Government spokesperson Nasser Al Manaa said defence minister Osama Juili was negotiating with the fighters, who \"came in protest over (unpaid) stipends\".
Last month, citing widespread fraud, Libyan authorities halted the payment of cash bonuses to rebels who had fought against Muammar Gaddafi\'s regime in 2011.