The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday condemned the indiscriminate shelling on the center of the capital Tripoli, which killed two policemen and one civilian on Thursday.
“UNSMIL is deeply alarmed by the intensification of indiscriminate attacks at a moment when Libyans deserve to peacefully observe the holy month of Ramadan and a time when they are battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” UNSMIL said.
“These despicable actions are a direct challenge to calls by some Libyan leaders for an end to the protracted fighting and for the resumption of the political dialogue,” it said.
UNSMIL demanded all parties to the conflict in Libya respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including complying with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks to prevent civilian casualties. UNSMIL reiterated that those guilty of crimes under international law will be held to account.
The UN-backed government and the east-based army exchanged accusations for the deadly shelling. For more than a year, the east-based army has been fighting with the UN-backed government in an attempt to seize the control of Tripoli. Many civilians have been killed and injured and more than 150,000 others displaced as a result.
