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Tripoli death toll rises to 96 in latest clashes

September 22, 2018 at 10:20 am

Smoke rises after clashes took place in Tripoli, Libya on 26 May 2017 [Stringer/Anadolu Agency]

The death toll from the latest clashes in the Libyan capital Tripoli has risen to 96 after 11 people were killed on Thursday night. The figures were posted on Facebook by the Ministry of Health of the Government of National Accord, which said that as well as the 11 people killed, another 33 had been wounded and one is missing.

“Thursday’s victims were five civilians, three expatriate workers and three military officers,” confirmed the ministry. Neither the nationalities of the expatriates nor the loyalties of the officers were provided.

The same source noted that 96 people have been killed in the fighting in the Libyan capital since 26 August, along with 306 wounded and 17 missing.

READ: Clashes erupt as armed groups break UN ceasefire in Libya capital

According to Anadolu, Thursday’s clashes were the most serious since the outbreak of fighting began. Although the clashes started on 26 August, they ended on 4 September after UN mediation. However, they resumed on Tuesday amidst domestic and international condemnation of the violation of the cease-fire between the parties concerned.

A number of groups affiliated to the Government of National Accord along with opposition groups and the 7th Brigade, consisting mostly of supporters of the late Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, are involved in these events to “liberate Tripoli”. Observers suggest that all are fighting to increase their influence in the Libyan capital.