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Gunmen attacked a Libyan military checkpoint south-east of the capital Tripoli killing 16 soldiers, authorities said on Saturday, according to a Reuters report.

The attack happened near the city of Bani Walid, a former stronghold of supporters of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Riding vehicles mounted with machine guns, the unidentified gunmen made their way to the military post, which was located on a highway.

The highway was closed following the attack in an attempt by security officials to track down those responsible.

"The ambush happened on the road between Bani Walid and the town of Tarhouna, where the army had a checkpoint. They came under heavy gunfire. Between 12 and 15 soldiers were killed," said Ali Sheikhi, a spokesman for the army joint chief of staff, according to Reuters.

Fifteen soldiers were killed in the attack and five more were wounded, according to a report by the Associated Press, citing a health official. One of the wounded soldiers later succumbed to his injuries.

According to a report by the BBC, the attack represents the single largest known killing of Libyan military personnel since the 2011 civil war.

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