At least 23 people have been killed and 140 injured in violent clashes between rival Libyan militias in the capital Tripoli. It reports that Libyan Ministry of Health Saturday. At least 17 civilians are among the victims.
The fighting broke out suddenly on Friday night as rival groups opened fire and several loud explosions sounded in the city. Images are circulating on social media showing burning cars and houses. Explosions can also be seen and heard. According to the local government, six hospitals have been affected by the violence. It was impossible for ambulances in the hardest hit areas to help the injured.
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Libya has been in a chaotic state since 2011. In that year, dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown after an uprising supported by NATO. Two governments have been battling for power in Libya since March: one in Tripoli, led by UN-backed Abdel Hamid Mohammed Dbeibeh, and another led by Fathi Bashaga. He is supported, among others, by the powerful general Khalifa Haftar and controls a large part of southern and eastern Libya.
The UN mission in Libya via Twitter express their “extreme concern” about the violence and calls for “an immediate cessation of hostilities”.