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| Africa North |
| Civilians trapped home as militia clashes rock Libya's capital |
| 2023-08-16 |
| [AFRICANEWS] Clashes between rival militias in the Libyan capital have left residents trapped in their homes unable to escape the violence, the country's health ministry said Tuesday (Aug. 15), in what appears to be the most intense fighting to rock Tripoli ...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn... this year. Fighting broke out between the 444 brigade and the Special Deterrence Force late Monday evening, according to local media. Tensions flared after the head of the 444 brigade was allegedly detained by the other force at an airport in Tripoli earlier Monday, media reported. The Health Ministry urged the warring sides to allow ambulance and emergency teams to enter the affected areas, primarily in the south of the city, and for blood to be sent to nearby hospitals. Libya’s Red Islamic Thingy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A hospital source, speaking to the AFP said 2 people had been killed and over 30 injured. OPSGroup, an organization for the aviation industry, said late Monday (Aug. 14) that a large number of aircraft departed the capital due to the festivities. Inbound flights were diverting to the nearby city of Misrata, it said. The 444 Brigrade depends on the ministry of Defense. The group controls Tripoli's southern suburs and cities such as Tarhouna and Bani Walid located east of Tripoli. The fighters secure the roads linking the capital to the south of the country. The al-Radaa Force, or Special Deterrence Force, is a powerful militia that has assumed the prerogatives of the police in Tripoli. The group presents itself as a security division independent from the ministries of Interior and Defense. It controls Tripoli's east as well as the air base of Mitiga, the civilian airport and a prison. |
| Posted by:Fred |