UN calls for ceasefire in southern Libya

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in southern Libya following tribal fighting.

"UNSMIL is greatly concerned about ongoing hostilities in Murzuq that have regrettably caused several casualties," the mission said.

"The mission expresses sympathy to the families of the victims and calls upon all parties to immediately end the fighting and exercise restraint. UNSMIL offers its good offices to resolve disputes through dialogue," the mission added.

Murzuq, a town located some 780 km south of the capital Tripoli, has been witnessing tribal clashes since Monday that killed and injured several people.

Southern Libya has been controlled by the east-based army, led by General Khalifa Haftar, since February.

Libya has been suffering escalated violence and insecurity ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Source: Xinhua