Libyan Political Crisis, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibah Survives Gunfight

JAKARTA - Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah escaped unharmed when gunfire hit his car early Thursday, a source close to him said, calling it an apparent assassination attempt, amid intense factional disputes over government control.

The source, who did not wish to be named, said Dbeibah had returned home when shots were fired from another vehicle that fled, and the incident had been referred to the attorney general for investigation.

Such an attempt, if confirmed, would exacerbate the crisis of control over Libya, with Dbeibah saying he would ignore a vote scheduled by the east-based parliament on Thursday to replace him.

Dbeibah was sworn in in March as head of the UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU), which is meant to oversee preparations for elections in December.

Rival factions have been jockeying for positions after the election process fell apart amid disputes over rules, such as the legitimacy of Dbeibah's own candidacy for president after she vowed not to run.

Parliament, which largely supported eastern forces during the civil war, has declared the GNU illegitimate and will hold a vote on Thursday to appoint a new prime minister to form another government.

However, Libyan advisers to the United Nations and Western countries say they continue to recognize the GNU, urging Libya's political institutions to focus on holding elections.

To note, the Libyan Parliament said this week that no general elections would be held this year.