Fierce clashes erupted in Gharyan city, south of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. This followed the Government of National Accord (GNA) forces building up reinforcements near the city.
The Libyan National Army (LNA), for its part, reported heavy exchange of fire in one of the city’s gas stations where a citizen was killed. It said the shootings were a part of a larger conflict whereby armed militias are trying to secure gas to run their vehicles.
In another statement, the LNA reported continued turmoil rocking Tripoli with persistent shootouts with militants.
On the other hand, the internationally-recognized GNA launched the Burkan al-Ghadab operation against LNA pockets in the Urban town, some 30 km to southeastern Gharyan.
Also, a report by Reuters showcased the worsened suffering of displaced Libyans driven out by battles in Tripoli.
In total, more than 268,000 Libyans are internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency, some from fighting in 2014-2017 in Libya’s second city Benghazi, where forces loyal to Marshal Khalifa Haftar, head of the LNA, eventually took control.
Most of the newly displaced are women, children or elderly, said Yousef Galala, state minister of internally displaced people’s affairs.
The GNA had allocated 120 million Libyan dinars ($85.7 million) in aid, and was considering an additional 100 million, he said.
Some of the displaced use public gardens or erect tents by Tripoli’s Mediterranean seafront.
Others have found themselves in shelters that lack even basic provisions or drinking water.
