Deadly clashes in Libyan leave 13 people dead

TRIPOLI, Aug. 28 (YPA) – At least 13 civilians have been killed and scores of others injured in intense fighting that erupted between rival factions in the Libyan capital overnight, the country’s health ministry said.

 The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and a rival administration backed by the eastern-based parliament traded accusations over the violence.

 The GNU said in a statement that the clashes in Tripoli were triggered by fighters aligned with a rival administration under Fathi Bashagha, firing on a convoy in the capital while other pro-Bashagha units had massed outside the city. It accused Bashagha of backing out of talks to resolve the crisis.

 The Bashagha administration said in response that it had never rejected talks and that its own overtures had been rejected by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. It did not directly respond to the assertion that it was linked to the clashes.

 Tripoli University announced the suspension of classes and exams  as a result of the clashes until further notice.

 The Ministry of Education also announced the suspension of secondary school exams throughout Libya until the situation in the country stabilizes.

 In a related context, airlines including Al-Jannah and African Airlines confirmed the suspension of their flights from Mitiga international  airport, until the situation in Tripoli stabilizes.

 The Tripoli clashes have met with local and international reactions denouncing and calling for an end to the fighting and work to hold elections as soon as possible.

E.M