32 dead, 159 injured in clashes between armed groups in Libyan capital

CAIRO – 28 August 2022: The Libyan Ministry of Health announced Sunday that the number of casualties caused by the clashes that broke out Saturday between armed groups in the capital, Tripoli, amounts to 32 deaths and 159 injuries.

Some of those groups are affiliated to Abdel Hamid al-Dbeibeh, who is heading the interim Government of National Unity (GNU), whose term should have ended by December, through holding both presidential and parliamentary elections.

The other groups belong to Fathi Bashagha, who was minister of interior at the Government of National Accord (GNA), the predecessor of the GNU, and the interim prime minister appointed by the Libyan House of Representatives based in Tobruk in the East. However, he is not able to assume his duties because Debeibah refuses to step down.

Bashagha's Ministry of Interior released a press statement saying it closely follows the fierce clashes that are still ongoing in Tripoli, and the losses they incurred among civilians, public and private properties.

The ministry stressed that it "would not helplessly watch the mess, fighting, and conflict over power and [personal] interests." It added that it would take all the necessary measures that would protect civilians, and state institutions in the capital, as that falls within its national, legal, and moral duties.

The ministry addressed the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and the international community saying that what is happening in Tripoli is the natural outcome of the absence of national security institutions in Libya.

It attributed that to "the clinging" of the outgoing government to its position, and its illegitimate support to armed groups that aid it to remain in power.