Militants Open Fire on Italian Consul in Benghazi -- Armored Vehicle Saves His Life

Libyan security inspect the bullet-proof vehicle in which Italy's consul to Benghazi was riding in, after it was shot at, in eastern Libya, on January 12, 2013. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

(TheBlaze/AP) -- Militants opened fire on the car of the Italian consul in the Libyan city of Benghazi, but he wasn't injured, officials in Rome and Libya said Saturday.

A security detail traveling with Consul Guido De Sanctis returned fire, but the gunmen who were driving in a car alongside De Sanctis' convoy sped away, a Libyan security official said.

The shooting occurred in the evening as De Sanctis was leaving the consulate.

A government official in Rome said De Sanctis wasn't hurt because he was travelling in an armored vehicle. Video footage shown on Sky TG24 showed several gunshots to the windows of the vehicle.

A Libyan man inspects the bullet-proof vehicle in which Italy's consul to Benghazi was riding in, after it was shot at, in eastern Libya, on January 12, 2013. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Reuters adds a few direct quotes:

"He is completely unharmed," said the [Italian Foreign Ministry] spokesman.

A security source in Libya who declined to be named told Reuters: "They shot at his car, but the car was armored. He is fine, there are no injuries."

Benghazi was the site of a Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya.  Security for westerners has been an increasing concern in the intervening months, Reuters adds.

​This is a breaking news story. Updates will be added.

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