About 27 people have lost their lives and 106 others have been injured in violent confrontations between rival armed factions in the conflict-ridden capital of Libya, according to a report by a medical authority.
The clashes primarily occurred in the eastern and south-eastern neighborhoods of Tripoli, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 230 families from the affected area. The Emergency Medicine and Support Centre of Libya disclosed these details.
The medical authority did not provide specific information regarding the number of civilians among the fatalities.
The clashes broke out on Monday night between the 444th Brigade, supported by the Interior Ministry in Tripoli, and the rival Deterrence Force, following the arrest of the 444th Brigade’s chief commander, Mahmoud Hamzah.
According to sources in the Libyan capital, the situation returned to normal on Wednesday after Hamza was allegedly handed over to a neutral party.
In light of the violence, flights to and from the nearby Mitiga airport were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, and classes at the University of Tripoli were also put on hold. However, the university has announced that classes will resume on Saturday.
Ever since the overthrow of dictator Moamer Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been engulfed in turmoil and has found itself torn between two competing governments.
(dpa/NAN)
