Libyan Central Bank Resumes Operations After Abduction

Libya's Central Bank has resumed operations following the release of its head of information technology, Musab Msallem, who was abducted by an unidentified group. The bank had suspended all operations in response to the kidnapping, citing threats to other executives and the safety of its employees. This incident occurred a week after armed men besieged the bank's headquarters in an attempt to force the resignation of Governor Seddik al-Kabir, who faces criticism over the management of oil resources and the state budget. US Ambassador Richard Norland condemned the forced attempts to oust Kabir, warning of potential international financial isolation for Libya. The political instability reflects the ongoing power struggle between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and the rival administration in the east, backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar.