Libya PM calls off Benghazi visit after security turned back

Officials say Libya's interim prime minister has called off his first visit to the country's east after an advance security team was turned back from the airport in the eastern city of Benghazi

CAIRO -- Libya’s interim prime minister called off his visit Monday to the country’s east after a government advance security team was turned back from the airport in the eastern city of Benghazi, officials said. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and his Cabinet were to hold a meeting in Benghazi, the main stronghold of Libya's east-based forces loyal to military commander Khalifa Hifter. Mohamed Hamuda, a government spokesman, said late Sunday that the Benghazi meeting was postponed. He did not give a reason but said they were working to set up another date for the meeting. A government official in the capital, Tripoli, said the development came after authorities at the Benghazi airport turned back an armed entourage that was sent to secure Dbeibah’s visit.