MOSCOW, July 27 (RIA Novosti) – Armed clashes between the Libyan government forces and Islamist militants fighting for control over the international airport in Tripoli claimed the lives of 97 people and left 400 injured since July 13, Agence France Presse reported Sunday citing the country’s Health Ministry.
The toll is based on casualty reports received from eight public hospitals in the Libyan capital and its suburbs. The number does not include the victims who were treated in medical facilities outside the city.
Escalation of violence in Libya began back in 2011 following the overthrow of country’s long-standing leader Muammar Gaddafi. A large number of armed groups continue operating on the country’s territory. In some regions, the weapon supplies and fighting capabilities of the militants substantially exceed the resources of the local police.
