The armed forces of Libya’s recognized government warned Wednesday they would react to any aggression against the state, a day after the prime minister escaped an assassination attempt.

The armed forces of Libya's recognized government warned Wednesday they would react to any aggression against the state, a day after the prime minister escaped an assassination attempt.

"The forces of the national army and the security services affirm their support for the legal government and commit to protecting it against any obstacles or aggression hampering its work," a statement on the government's news agency said.

It came after Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani escaped unscathed when would-be assassins opened fire on his car on Tuesday after a session of parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk.

"Any aggression against the seat of government and sovereign state institutions will be followed by a state response using its strength and legality, with force and firmness," the statement said.

Thani's spokesman said after his car was hit by bullets, wounding a bodyguard, that it had been an attempt to kill the premier.

"It was an assassination attempt, and the prime minister survived it," Hatem el-Ouraybi told AFP.