UN calls for Libya ceasefire after deadly clashes
The United Nations calls for a stop to fighting in Libya after the health ministry reported 23 deaths.
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Damaged car in Tripoli, Libya. (Getty)
The United Nations has called for a stop to the fighting in Libya following deadly clashes between political factions in the capital Tripoli.
The health ministry reported that at least 23 people were killed and dozens wounded during the fighting. Among the dead was young comedian Mustafa Baraka, an official said.
#Libya : Health official says that Mustafa Baraka - a young comedian known for social media videos - has been killed during the clashes between rival factions that broke out earlier today in #Tripoli #ليبيا pic.twitter.com/UXljGDEIRI
— sebastian usher (@sebusher) August 27, 2022
Since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that ousted long-serving ruler Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has experienced chaos.
The military of the internationally recognized government attempted to rebuff a convoy of militias loyal to Fathi Bashagha on Saturday, who is recognized as prime minister by a competing eastern parliament.
Read next: Libyan armed groups clash in Tripoli, no casualties - Reports
In many parts of the capital, there were reports of explosions and small-arms fire. All over the city, black smoke could be seen rising. Emergency services reported that hospitals were hit and people evacuated the areas of conflict.
The UN's Libya mission demanded an immediate truce, claiming that the combat had included "indiscriminate medium and heavy shelling in civilian-populated neighbourhoods."
The oil-rich country lost a sense of stability and has witnessed frequest fighting between rival forces since 2011.
#Libya : Health official says that Mustafa Baraka - a young comedian known for social media videos - has been killed during the clashes between rival factions that broke out earlier today in #Tripoli #ليبيا pic.twitter.com/UXljGDEIRI
— sebastian usher (@sebusher) August 27, 2022
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, ready to march in.
The sources told Sputnik that since the early morning hours Saturday, 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.
Read next: Libya: Parliament to hold session on political crisis
