UN slams shelling of civilian areas in Tripoli

The United Nations expressed concerns about the shelling of residential areas in Tripoli, with the UN spokesperson outlining that it "is completely unacceptable by any measure."

"The United Nations is gravely concerned about the continued reports of indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas in Tripoli," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Friday (local time).

He highlighted the need to protect civilians, calling for immediate and unconditional access for humanitarian partners.

"Our colleagues say the humanitarian situation in Tripoli continues to deteriorate with heavy fighting ongoing, including in populated areas," Xinhua quoted Dujarric as saying.

He added that due to damaged infrastructure, civilians in conflict areas are facing electricity cuts and water shortages. Access to essential items like food, medicine and fuel has also been severely hampered, Dujarric said.

According to the UN Migration Agency, around 39,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict in Libya.

The UN Spokesman added that 655 refugees and migrants were evacuated from the Qasr Bin Ghashir detention centre earlier this week. Non-profit organisation 'Doctors Without Borders' had previously said in a statement that civilians in the said detention centre were shot and injured during the incident.

"More than 700 unarmed men, women and children were trapped in the centre...Several reports suggested several deaths and at least 12 people injured," the organisation wrote in its statement, according to Xinhua.

The UN Spokesman highlighted, that even though evacuations have taken place, over 3,000 refugees and migrants remain trapped in seven detention facilities across Tripoli.

Libya's capital is currently in the throes of ongoing fighting between military commander Khalifa Haftar's eastern forces and troops loyal to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

India already removed its entire contingent of peacekeeping forces comprising of 15 CRPF personnel on April 6 from Tripoli, a move which was followed by countries like the United States and Nepal. The Indian authorities have time and again told Indian nationals in Tripoli to leave the area as the situation continues to deteriorate.

More than 200 people have lost their lives and 913 have been wounded ever since clashes erupted in the region.