Five Egyptians among 31 killed in car bombs in eastern Libya

At least 31 people, including five Egyptians, were killed and over 40 others were injured on Friday when three car bombs exploded simultaneously in the eastern Libyan city of Al-Gubba, according to security and medical sources.

The simultaneous blasts targeted a local security building, a gas station, and residence of Akila Saleh Issa, a parliament leader, killing at least 31 people, a security official said.

The parliament speaker confirmed the attacks in a press statement, declaring seven-day mourning for the victims.

Issa told local media that the blasts appeared to be "revenge for what happened in Derna."

These explosions came a few days after joint airstrikes by Libyan and Egyptian air force against militants' sites. The air strikes were done after an online video was posted showing Islamic State militants beheading 21 Egyptian Christian hostages in the city of Sirte.

The city of Al-Gubba, 30 km west of Derna, is under control of the Libyan army and forces of Major General Khalifa Haftar.

The Libyan army and forces of General Haftar, along with armed civilian supporters, besieged the city of Derna, a stronghold of IS loyal militants.

Libya, a major oil producer in North Africa, has been witnessing a frayed political process after its former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled during the 2011 political turmoil.

The country is now juggling between two rival parliaments and governments. Endit