Monday, June 04, 2018

UN Says Fighting in Libya's Derna Kills 17 Civilians
2018-06-02 10:11

The United Nations says fighting between the self-styled Libyan National Army and militants has killed at least 17 civilians, including two children, in Libya's eastern city of Derna.

The UN Support Mission in Libya said in a statement on Friday that the fighting has injured 22 others, including seven children, since May 16.

It said an explosion on Wednesday killed seven people and wounded seven others as they were attempting to leave Derna. It added that dozens of families have left the city.

The LNA, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, has surrounded the city of 150 000 people for years. Clashes have been ongoing since April.

Hifter announced his intention to "liberate" Derna in May.

Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 United States and NATO war of regime change that toppled ruler Moammar Gaddafi.

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