TRIPOLI, Aug 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least nine died and 16 were injured in clashes between state-recognised militias in the eastern Tajura district of Tripoli.
The fatality and injury figures were reported by the Tripoli Ministry of Health’s Ambulance and Emergency Service which said these figures included civilians, without giving an exact breakdown.
The clashes were between the Rahbat al-Darwa Battalion and the Martyr Sabriya Battalion, both from Tajura. Various Libyan media reports said the clashes involved the exchange of light and medium weapons before and during Friday prayers in the Hamidiya area of Tajura.
Besides the injuries and deaths, the clashes led to panic of civilians in the areas, including those performing their Friday prayer.
Most reports seem to agree that the inter-militia clash has led to the Rahbat al-Darwa Battalion defeating or at least taking over the Tajura headquarters of the Martyr Sabriya Battalion.
Osama Ali, spokesman of the Emergency Department of the Libyan Ministry of Health said that the clashes that broke out in the Trajura district on Friday forced dozens of families to flee their homes.
Libya has been suffering escalating violence and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. — NNN-AGENCIES
