At least nine members of a Libyan security force have been killed and several others injured in a mortar explosion during a training exercise in the western city of Zawiya, the country’s Ambulance and Emergency Service has reported.
The blast, which involved an 82mm mortar round, took place during exercises conducted by members of the Anti-Threat Security Agency, according to Asharq News, citing the Libyan emergency service. The agency said the explosion occurred after sunset prayers on Sunday. The emergency service mourned the victims, describing the incident as a “painful tragedy and a painful loss” for Zawiya.
The explosion occurred at a security camp in the Harsha area of Zawiya, according to The Libya Observer. Three personnel reportedly died at the scene, while six others later succumbed to their injuries. Several wounded personnel remained hospitalized, some in critical condition, the outlet reported, citing a local source.
The Libyan government has not released an official explanation of what caused the explosion. On Monday, the Zawiya North Municipality declared three days of mourning following the deaths.
Zawiya is located approximately 40km west of Tripoli and is home to Libya’s largest operating oil refinery. The city has experienced repeated clashes between rival armed groups. The Anti-Threat Security Agency operates under the UN-recognized Government of National Unity based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
Libya has been split between rival administrations since the NATO-backed uprising that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and plunged the country into turmoil. The western part is controlled by Dbeibah’s administration, while a rival government in the east is backed by the military commander Khalifa Haftar.
The UN has continued efforts to resolve the political deadlock. Last year, the UN Support Mission in Libya introduced a roadmap aimed at establishing an electoral framework, forming a unified government and preparing national elections. On August 30, representatives of main rival political and military factions signed an agreement to hold general elections within 24 months. Last week, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called for all major Libyan political forces to be included in the settlement process.
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