BENGHAZI, Libya — Three car bombs ripped through the eastern Libyan city of Qubbah on Friday, killing 40 people and wounding 70 in what officials described as a revenge attack for Egyptian air strikes on Islamist militant targets.
Parliamentary speaker Aguila Saleh told Al-Arabiya television the car bombs had targeted a gas station next to a security building. Qubbah is Saleh's hometown.
He said the bombs appeared to be a retaliation for Egyptian air strikes on Islamist targets in the eastern city of Derna, which is close to Qubbah.
"We are announcing seven days of mourning for the victims of Qubbah," he said. "I think this operation was revenge for what happened in Derna."
A security official said the car bombs were probably suicide attacks but no more details were immediately available.
On Monday, Egypt launched air strikes on suspected ISIS targets, a day after the group released a video showing the execution of Egyptian Coptic Christian workers.
Libya is in chaos, with two governments and parliaments vying for legitimacy and territory, four years after Muammar Gaddafi was toppled.
In-Depth
- Beheadings, Cities Seized: How Strong is ISIS in Libya?
- Egypt Launches Revenge Strikes for ISIS Beheadings in Libya
- Marine Corps Vet Killed in Libya Hotel Terror Attack