Possible Pro-Gadhafi Attacks Beginning in Libya

Explosive devices in three cars parked outside government ministries in Tripoli detonated in rapid succession early Aug. 19, killing two people and injuring four others. Immediately after the blasts, authorities found two additional explosive devices that had failed to detonate near other government buildings, although it is unclear whether the defective devices were found in cars or planted outside. At least 32 people, many who allegedly supported former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, have been arrested in connection with the attack thus far. The blasts follow a similar bombing against a military police office in Tripoli on Aug. 4.

Such planned, coordinated attacks differ from militia-on-militia skirmishes previously seen in the capital and recent retribution attacks against former Gadhafi regime officials in Benghazi. Although none of the recent bombings were particularly sophisticated or responsible for inflicting mass casualties, the attacks could be part of an attempt by the former regime's supporters to destabilize the interim administration as it tries to form a new government in the fractious country.