Libyans Treat Abandoned US Embassy in Tripoli Like a Vacation Resort
More than a month after the Unites States evacuated its embassy in Libya because of growing military tension there, throngs of countrymen have reportedly taken occupation of the embassy’s grounds in an apparent search of nothing more than a good time.
What one news outlet called a raid by militiamen could also be described as a playful, extended visit to an abandoned property after one video surfaced showing Libyans cavorting near an embassy swimming pool, including several taking swan dives from a balcony above.
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But after a look at the rest of the embassy’s property, you almost can’t blame the Libyans for being drawn to what looks like a veritable vacation resort — albeit one that is located in a war-torn African country.
Journalists who were given a recent tour of the sprawling, uninhabited property saw the apparent amenities that American diplomats were forced to abruptly leave behind when they were evacuated in late July.
Members of the Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn) Islamist militia moved into the complex of several villas in southern Tripoli to prevent it from being looted, the militia said.
The perceived perks to living in the embassy include — but are not limited to — tennis courts:
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Spacious bedrooms with elaborate chandeliers:
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A serious weight room:
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The living room, complete with French doors and comfortable-looking furniture, is surrounded by a grand staircase:
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And, of course, there’s the pool, which is shown with a ball floating in one end and a cooler nearby, all indications that a good time could be had there:
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The embassy is being safeguarded and has not been ransacked, America’s ambassador to Libya said. But this pantry suggests otherwise:
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There’s also the large dining room, which looks like it could accommodate an army. In fact, it most likely has, since the compound was taken over by Libya Dawn:
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Because of the nature of its location, the compound is laced with sand bags — likely to help absorb the impact and shrapnel associated with explosives — including this area indicating where to find medical equipment:
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But don’t go booking your one-way ticket to Tripoli just yet. The folks who are reportedly in control of the embassy’s compound may not prove to be the most congenial of hosts. Especially since they have reportedly taken control of the city’s main airport along with the rest of the Libyan capital city.
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It’s doubtful we’ll see some ads from Tripoli’s tourism industry any time soon, underscoring the fact that the embassy is far from an ideal vacation destination. But don’t go telling that to Fajr Libya.
All photos used courtesy of AFP/Getty Images and EPA.
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