The struggle between Libya’s two governments escalated into an urban war on Saturday.
Violent clashes erupted in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, as gunmen from the country’s rival government tried to attack the city.
According to the country’s Ministry of Health, 32 people died in the shooting. In addition, 159 were wounded.
Most of the victims were civilians.
A well-known actor was shot
Libyans have also been shocked by the actor Mustafa Baraka death. He was known for his videos mocking corruption and armed forces on social media.
The situation in Tripoli has calmed down since Saturday, and the city’s airport is in use again.
The clashes started when the prime minister in charge of the eastern part of the country Fathi Bashaghan troops approached Tripoli from three directions.
The attempted attack threw the city into chaos. According to the authorities, they tried to evacuate people caught in the middle of the gunfire, but the ambulances could not get there.
The Ministry of Health accused the attackers of setting fire to hospitals and health centers, and called the incident a “war crime”.
Heavy fire on residential blocks
Also according to the UN Office in Libya, heavy and medium fire was fired indiscriminately into blocks inhabited by civilians during the clash.
US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said his country condemned the violence, and called for a ceasefire “before the situation gets worse”.
Several armed guards took part in the fighting. However, the strongest convoy of three hundred vehicles turned back towards Misrata.
The main dividing line in the power struggle is the prime minister who oversees Tripoli Abdul Hamid Dbeibah between the government and Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha, who rules the eastern part of the rival country.
Saturday’s urban war was the most serious clash since Libya’s rival factions fought for power two years ago.
The competing parliament burned down in the summer
Oil-rich Libya has been in turmoil since a Nato-backed uprising ousted the country’s autocratic ruler. Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. This later led to the split of the country into two parts.
Competing governments have tried to oust each other. So far, however, neither—or any—side appears to have the political or military power to extend its power over the entire country.