17 killed in attack on security check point in Libya

Fourteen army soldiers and three civilians were killed Friday in an armed attack at a security check point in Libya, an official said.

The incident took place at Sukna town, 650 km southeast of Tripoli. "A number of gunmen attacked on Friday the security check point of Sukna town, which links the western Al-Shweref town and the eastern Wadi al-Shati area," Xinhua quoted a security official as saying.

He added that the gunmen killed 14 soldiers of the army's battalion 168 infantry, which is in charge of securing the desert region.

"The attackers also killed three civilians, and took over three military vehicles of the soldiers who were killed," the official said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In the last few weeks, similar attacks have taken place on army check point and sites. The most recent attack was last week in the city of Sirte, 500 km east of Tripoli, which killed 19 soldiers who were securing the city's power plant.