UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya Maria Do Valle Ribeiro condemns the continued fighting in the city of Sabratah that has claimed a number of lives, including civilians. According to information received, three civilian men killed and eight others injured, including a woman and an 8-year-old child. These figures include a family whose car was hit by a rocket today while fleeing the conflict. Sabratah University Hospital was also hit twice by shells, causing damage to the emergency and surgery unit and they are now not operational.

“I am deeply saddened by the continued fighting in residential areas of Sabratah which has caused a number of civilian casualties due to the use of heavy and indiscriminate weapons. I send my deepest condolences to the families of victims and wish those injured a speedy recovery” Maria Ribeiro said. The Humanitarian Coordinator calls upon the parties to immediately cease hostilities, refrain from the use of indiscriminate weapons in residential areas, further military escalation and reminds the parties of their responsibility to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law at all times.

Note to correspondence: Clashes have erupted between two armed groups in the city of Sabratah on Saturday 16 September, claiming the lives of three civilians so far, and injuring another eight. On 22 September, the car of a family trying to leave Sabratah to Zawiya was hit, killing a husband and wife. At least 150 to 200 families are reported to be internally displaced and are mostly staying with host families in quieter areas. The International Federation of the Red Cross and the Libyan Red Crescent Society have provided medical supplies to the Sabratah Main Hospital and the Sabratah Field Hospital. More emergency medical supplies to support the hospitals in dealing with conflict injured will be provided in the coming days.