Suspected extremists bomb ancient shrine in Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — 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 neighboring Tunisia have all targeted the tombs of saints.

The official says the attackers implanted explosives inside the shrine known as Sidi Mohammed al-Andalousi and detonated them from a distance early Thursday.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

Libya’s Grand Mufti urged the attackers to stop fighting fellow Muslims.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.