Explosion in Libya nearby Misrata’s industrial zone
An explosion struck the Skeerat area close to Misrata’s industrial zone, forcing evacuations from the area, according to Moroccan government-friendly outlet North Africa Post on September 1st.
The blast, which occurred on August 31st, hit near the industrial zone, which is situated approximately 200 kilometres east of Tripoli.
There has been no confirmation surrounding the cause of the blast, but witnesses said burning shells and shrapnel fell over nearby residential areas, which led to the evacuations.
This incident is the latest development surrounding Libya’s frail security situation, which has been plagued by conflict between armed groups in both eastern and western Libya.
Recently, in the western city of Al-Zawiya, two prominent armed groups clashed, which resulted in two casualties and mass panic among residents about a return to widespread violence.
There were no reported casualties in the Misrata blast, but six people sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment, after security forces sealed off access to roads to facilitate ambulance and civil defence responses.
The National Safety Authority, alongside Misrata Medical Centre, declared a state of emergency while authorities contained the situation and assessed the full extent of the damage.
The ambiguous nature of the blast will only add more anxiety to Libya’s currently volatile political and military situation, with the European Union earlier this year condemning reported violations of the ceasefire in Tripoli during the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Furthermore, the confluence of armed militia groups alongside political instability, compounded by rival administrations, has created a brutally repressive environment, manifesting in enforced disappearances and unofficial detainment.
Division and conflict between the eastern Libyan Government of National Stability (GNS) and the Tripoli-based, UN-supported Government of National Unity (GNU) have perpetuated these conflicts and have created a vacuum for these armed militia groups to strengthen their position and exert control.
North Africa Post, Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
