After dozens of civilians were killed amid “indiscriminate shelling” and intense fighting.
Hani Amara/Reuters
Libya’s government has declared a state of emergency in Tripoli and surrounding areas after dozens of people were killed in recent fighting. The move comes after clashes between armed groups vying for control in Tripoli prompted authorities to close the capital’s airport on Friday. The U.S., France, Italy, and Britain on Saturday called for an end to the escalating violence, and the United Nations denounced the armed groups for the “indiscriminate shelling” of civilians. Thousands of migrants prevented from reaching Europe and returned to detention centers in Tripoli have also been caught in the crossfire of the recent violence. Doctors Without Borders issued a statement Friday saying the situation “demonstrates that Libya is not a safe place for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.” “These people are already extremely vulnerable, and now they find themselves trapped in yet another conflict without the ability to escape,” said Ibrahim Younis, the head of the agency.
