Libya: Inter-tribal violence escalates in southern Libyan

Tripoli, Libya (PANA) – The armed clashes that broke out several days ago between the Toubou and Touareg tribes, in the Libyan southern region of Oubari, escalated on Friday after the failure of the mediation carried out by dignitaries from the region.

Heavy weapons were freely used in fierce fighting on Friday, leaving many injured and several buildings, infrastructure and markets damaged in the city centre, according to local sources there.

Violence escalated after the mediators, having failed to achieve a ceasefire, left the area on Friday.

PANA reports that the humanitarian situation has since deteriorated in the city because of the shortages of drugs and food stuffs.

The clashes broke out at a time the Libyan army is prosecuting "war" against the Islamist militias in the east of the country to retake control of the city of Benghazi and liberate the capital, Tripoli.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/MSA/VAO 25Oct2014