On 2 September early in the evening, there was an explosion outside the 444 Brigade base in Bani Walid, about 80 metres away from the main gate on a parking lot next to the wall of the compound. A car was totally destroyed. Next to the destroyed car, there is circular damage to the road. The 444 Brigade started an investigation into the incident to uncover the circumstances of the attack and the parties involved.
Later in the evening, the 444 Brigade revealed that its base in Bani Walid was targeted by a terrorist attack with a car bomb detonated by a suicide bomber next to the gate outside of the camp. The 444 stated that the situation was swiftly brought under control. It emphasized that the camp remained fully operational, with no breaches, no significant damage or casualties reported. The statement underscored that such desperate acts will not deter the 444 Brigade’s personnel from carrying out their mission to defend the homeland and eliminate terrorist threats. On the contrary, these attacks only reinforce their determination to pursue and eradicate terrorist groups.
The Bani Walid Municipality strongly condemned the attempted attack on the 444 headquarters in the city, labeling it ‘cowardly and dangerous’. In their statement, officials emphasized that such actions threaten both local and national stability. They called for unified national efforts to safeguard security institutions and urged authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The municipality also highlighted the urgent need to protect citizens and armed forces from threats to national security.
The Social Council of Souq al-Jumaa and the Four Regions strongly condemned the ‘suicide attack’ on the 444 Brigade in Bani Walid, calling it a cowardly act aimed at destabilizing Libya. The Council urged swift investigations and punishment for those responsible, emphasizing that such attacks reflect the perpetrators’ weakness. It also expressed firm support for the 444 Brigade, praising its role in maintaining security and stability, and reaffirmed its importance in countering terrorism during this critical period.
On 3 September, some residents of Bani Walid demanded that the 444 leave the city immediately. According to them, its presence caused the security situation to deteriorate and endangered the lives of civilians.