Suspected Islamic extremists bomb ancient Libya shrine

Tripoli: A Libyan security official says that suspected Islamic extremists have bombed an ancient Sufi shrine in Tripoli, prompting the country’s grand cleric to issue a religious edict against such assaults. Hard-line Muslims known as Salafis oppose the veneration of saints, a long-standing North African tradition, saying it undermines the Islamic belief in monotheism. Salafis in Mali, Somalia and neighbouring Tunisia have all targeted the tombs of saints. [caption id=“attachment_678282” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Libyans inspect the damage at a Sufi shrine in the neighbourhood of Tajoura, on the outskirts of Tripoli, after is was attacked during the early hours of the morning. AFP[/caption] The official says the attackers implanted explosives inside the shrine known as Sidi Mohammed al-Andalousi and detonated them from a distance early on Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press. Libya’s Grand Mufti urged the attackers to stop fighting fellow Muslims. Associated Press