TRIPOLI, 22 February, 2021 (TON): On Sunday, Fathi Bashagha the interior minister of Libya’s unity government survived an assassination attempt on a highway near the capital Tripoli, an official from his inner circle told the media.

Official sources indicate that his convoy “was fired on from an armored car while he was on the highway.

In return, his police escort then returned fire. Two of the assailants were arrested and a third is in hospital. However, the minister is fine.

While returning from a routine visit to a new security unit overseen by his department, the incident happened..

The 58-year-old has served as interior minister in the Government of National Accord since 2018 and has staked his reputation on battling corruption.

Libya has been into violence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed the dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.

Two rival administrations, backed by an array of militias and foreign powers, have vied for control of the oil-rich country.

It is seen that Bashagha is the favorite to lead a new interim government under UN-led peace efforts following an October ceasefire last year.