Armed violence in Tripoli kills 12, injured 87+
Clashes escalate between Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah's Tripoli-based National Unity Government and Fathi Bashagha's administration.
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Smoke rises during an exchange of fire in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, August 27, 2022. (AFP)
Armed violence in Tripoli, Libya intensified on Saturday night, with 12 people killed and 87 injured, according to the Libyan Health Ministry, calling the number a 'preliminary' figure. There is no confirmation as to whether those who have been killed are civilians or combatants.
Videos are circulating on social media, with one video depicting plumes of black smoke releasing in the air over Tripoli, and armed personnel and military hardware moving through the streets.
Urban clashes in highly populated civilian areas leave behind countless tragedies in #Tripoli, between dead, displaced & destitute...
— Emadeddin Badi (@emad_badi) August 27, 2022
Clashes continue meanwhile as the population grows disaffected and outraged at armed groups, authorities and the "international community". pic.twitter.com/Q1rWPGNR8p
Other videos show residential buildings being hit with artillery weapons, with shooting and blasts being heard in other media.
The moment a residential building in Libyan capital #Tripoli was targeted. #طرابلس #ليبيا pic.twitter.com/dPjPbtOsYs
— Expats In Tripoli (@ExpatsTripoli) August 27, 2022
This may mark the worst fighting in two years, where two sides are vying for control of the oil-rich North African nation: Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah's Tripoli-based National Unity Government, and Fathi Bashagha's administration that is supported by the Libyan parliament based in Tobruk.
On Saturday evening, a major militant group based in Tripoli assaulted a rival base, using small arms, machine guns, and mortars.
Libyan military sources confirmed Saturday that the forces of Major-General Salem Jeha, loyal to the Libyan designate-government headed by Fathi Bashagha, are approaching the eastern entrance of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and are ready to march in.
The sources told Sputnik that since the early morning hours, the forces have been moving with all military might, with its weapons and vehicles, heading from Misrata to Tripoli, the capital, and will not stop until they reach it.
The sources added that if the forces are attacked, they will deal with the fire source.
On the other hand, a Libyan military source in Misrata confirmed that the "Himayat Al-Dustoor" forces, - or, what translates to "Constitution Protection" forces - loyal to the National Unity Government headed by Abdel Hamid Dbeibah, are preparing to deploy towards Tripoli and close the coastal road.
