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Libya

Libya | Sebha Flash Update #1 (as of 16 March 2018)

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Summary

• Clashes have been ongoing in Sebha city between members of the Tebu and Awlad Suleiman communities since early February 2018. Efforts to mediate between the two tribes have so far proven ineffective.

• As a result of the clashes in mainly south-eastern neighbourhoods of Sebha city, there have been multiple civilian casualties (59 injuries and 13 deaths), including reportedly at least five children injured and one child killed.

• The escalation of violence resulted in the reported displacement of up to 870 households to within neighbourhoodsin Sebha, as well as to Ubari and Murzuq. The households who have been displaced to Al minshiyah (a neighbourhood within Sebha city), are using schools as shelter.

• The main needs of the displaced population are water, non-food items (NFIs), food, hygiene items, clothing and essential medicines and medical supplies. Tents have been highlighted as the most prevalent needs for those displaced in Al minshiyah.

Situation Overview

Recurrent escalations of violence between members of the Tebu and Awlad Sulieman communities erupted early February 2018 in Sebha city and continue to date. Violence is most likely fueled further by criminal motives, such as trafficking. Efforts to mediate between the two tribes have proven ineffective and as a result divisions have grown.

Heavy clashes in the city resumed on 1 March. The neighbourhoods that have been mostly affected are Tayouri (near Sebha Airport), Al Nasaria, Thanawia, Gardah and Hajara and affect the civilian population. Buildings, including homes and schools, have been destroyed as heavy weaponry is being used, and as the clashes are taking place in populated residential areas; families who live in or near these areas have displaced to Al menshiyah, Sakra, Mahdia neighbourhoods and Ubari and Murzuq.

Also as a result of the heavy clashes, multiple civilian casualties (59 injuries and 13 deaths) have been reported. There are also unconfirmed reports of snipers present in Al Nasaria, Thanawia, Gardah and Hajara neighbourhoods on top of high buildings.

Furthermore, the Sebha Medical Centre (SMC – the central hospital of Sebha) was hit four times during these clashes. During two of the hits, two women were injured. The hospital has minor damage but continues to function. A mosque in the Tayouri neighbourhood was also hit and damaged, but continues to remain functioning.

Discussions to resolve the situation are ongoing, including a meeting between the SRSG Ghassan Salame and a delegation from the South, including various actors from Sebha, that took place on 12 March in Tripoli to explore ways of ending the violence and protecting civilians.

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