UN urges immediate end to renewed fighting in Libya

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - The head of the United Nations urged an immediate end to violence in Libya on Saturday amid renewed fighting between two rival militias in the capital.

Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Guterres urged parties to engage in genuine dialogue to address the ongoing political impasse and called for the protection of civilians and refraining from actions that could escalate tensions and deepen divisions.

At least 23 people were killed and 140 injured during clashes that erupted in several areas of Tripoli, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

The violence came amid military buildups by forces affiliated with Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and troops loyal to Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed prime minister by the Tobruk-based parliament in March, as both figures claim power and authority in the capital.

Oil-rich Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.