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LIBYA-LANDMINE-KILLING
Landmines kill 8 civilians in eastern Libya’s Darna
TRIPOLI, May 31, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – Landmines on Wednesday killed eight
civilians in Libya’s eastern city of Darna, where the army is fighting
militants who have controlled the city since earlier in May, a military
official said.
“Eight civilians were killed as a result of the explosion of a number of
landmines planted by terrorists in the western entrance of Darna,” the
official told Xinhua late on Wednesday.
“The landmines exploded when a number of civilians tried to leave Darna to
nearby areas and towns in order to get fuel and food. As they approached the
exit of the city, specifically near the municipal stadium, a number of mines
exploded, causing civilian casualties,” added the official, who requested
anonymity.
The army has been besieging Darna since 2015, demanding that the Shura
Council of the Mujahideen, a coalition of Islamist militias, leave.
The army accused the armed group of being loyal to al-Qaida.
Landmines planted by the group are major obstacles facing the army, which
is making steady progress towards taking control of Darna.
Humanitarian coordinator for the UN Support Mission in Libya Maria Ribeiro
recently called on the army to allow humanitarian aid to enter the city.
Since the beginning of the fight between the army and the militants, more
than 30 soldiers were killed and more than 40 others were injured, according
to military and medical sources.
BSS/XINHUA/FI/ 1130 hrs