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Conflicts in Libya cause 66 civilian casualties in 2016: UN mission

Xinhua, March 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has documented an estimated 66 civilian casualties this year due to hostilities across Libya, a UN spokesman told reporters here Tuesday.

The majority of 28 deaths and 38 injuries were caused by shelling, including mortars, artillery and other indirect weapons, while the next leading cause was gun shots, explosive remnants of war, aerial bombardments and suicide attacks, said deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq at a daily news briefing.

Due to limited access and the engagement of multiple parties in the conflict, who have not taken responsibility for any incidents, it has been unable to determine which party caused these civilian casualties, according to the mission.

Libya has been suffering a political crisis with two rival parliaments and governments battling for legitimacy amid a state of insecurity and anarchy years after the downfall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi. At present, the North African country is being haunted by escalating violence and growing militant extremism.

The United Nations has sponsored dialogue sessions between Libyan rivals since September 2014, in and outside Libya, in order to end the country's political division. Enditem