LIBYA – A suicide bombing attack at a security checkpoint near Benghazi in Libya has claimed not less than seven lives and injured over eight soldiers and civilians.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the attacker targeted the checkpoint in the village of Aguiria, which is 50km east of Libya’s second city.

The security situation in and around Benghazi has been worsening in recent months, with extremist militia blamed for almost daily attacks.

According to sources, this latest incident reveals a shift in tactics away from the bombings and assassinations that have mainly targeted the security services.

Though Benghazi has seen several bombings and assassinations often targeting the army and police in the past year, this is the first suicide bombing Libya as seen and reveals a shift in tactics.

Unlike the rest of the country, many of the militias in the Eastern region, particularly in the cities of Benghazi and Derna, are motivated by religion rather than merely a desire to maintain political and military power.

Many will now fear that this first suicide attack may not be the last.