Militias Fight in Libyan Zawiya; Calls for International Protection of Civilians

Renewed clashes between militias in western Libya have sparked international condemnation, with many civilian casualties including children.

After a bloody night last night, as rival militias clashed for power and influence in the city of Zawiya, west of Tripoli, residents woke up Monday to horrific scenes in the city as a result of this repeated messes that left five people dead, including two children.

The UN Support Mission in Libya issued a statement condemning the renewed clashes and expressing grave concern over civilian casualties during the clashes.

The Mission stated that the clashes involved the use of various types of weapons, especially heavy weapons, in densely populated neighborhoods, resulting in extensive destruction and a number of casualties.

The Mission reiterated its call for the need for unconditional protection of civilians, extending condolences to the families of the victims.

The United Nations Children’s Fund in Libya also condemned the targeting of children during the armed conflict between Libyan militias.

“Reports that a child and a 10-year-old girl have been killed during clashes in the north-western city of Zawiya, children must be protected at all times,” the organization said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses said earlier on Monday about the situation in the city, saying that “the destruction is huge due to the use of artillery and heavy weapons by the militias in the middle of civilian residential neighborhoods.”

Sources confirmed that the clashes had stopped completely after the intervention of social mediators in Zawiya, through which a truce was agreed.”

The sources, who asked not to be named, added that “the clashes took place between more than one side, as a group of militias allied with the militia known as Al-Selaa (The Commodity) under the command of Othman Al-Lahab, against the militias of Mohammed Al-Sifaw .”

Everyone described the clashes in Zawiya as “very violent” and the Libyan Red Crescent issued an urgent appeal to the warring parties to cease fire so that they could bring the families under fire.

In the west of the country, a multi-faceted militia, mostly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, controls the state.

These militias frequently fight each other, most recently in clashes in Tripoli on August 27 that left 32 people dead and dozens wounded.