"The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemns the increased use of heavy weapons and indiscriminate shelling that has damaged civilian houses, schools and infrastructure," the spokesman said. Many families fleeing conflict areas are heading toward central Tripoli and its immediate surroundings, but more than 14,000 of those displaced have sought safety outside of the capital, including in Tajoura, Al Maya, Ain Zara and Tarhouna, he said. Libyan first responder teams reported that civilian evacuations are increasing, with a significant number of casualties among those evacuated. So far authorities confirmed 14 people have been killed. Dujarric said, "These figures represent cases that could be individually verified and must therefore be considered a minimum." The number of people displaced due to hostilities in and around Tripoli is now approaching 20,000, according to the UN's migration agency. More than 2,500 people were displaced in the last 24 hours alone. The latest fighting broke out when forces led by self-proclaimed Libya National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, advanced on the Libyan capital earlier this month. |