Libya: Armed clashes between government forces and Islamist militants in Benghazi and Tripoli leave 59 dead
At least 59 people died in clashes between the Libyan government forces and Islamist militants in Benghazi and Tripoli, Reuters reported on Sunday, citing local security and healthcare sources.
According to the agency, the clashes began in two cities almost simultaneously and continued through the entire night. Preliminary estimates show that at least 36 people were killed by militants in Benghazi with the majority of the victims being civilians. In Tripoli 23 people, including Egyptian workers, died when a house collapsed hit by a mortar round.
Earlier on Saturday, the United States announced a temporary shutdown of the American embassy in Libya and evacuation of the staff to the neighboring Tunisia due to the ongoing military activity. The US State Department also warned their citizens to refrain from travelling to Libya.