On Sunday, the German ambassador to Libya, Oliver Owcza, expressed his shock over reports of human rights violations committed by forces aligned with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the city of Tarhuna.
In a statement, the diplomat claimed that there were reports of extrajudicial killings in Tarhuna, calling for an independent investigation. He also expressed his concern with regard to reports of retribution, and looting by the GNA fighters after entering the city.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) also called on GNA officials to carry out a prompt, and impartial investigation into the looting, and destruction of public, and private property in Tarhuna, and Al-Asabaa cities. It stated that these appeared to be “acts of retribution, and revenge that risk further fraying Libya’s social fabric”.
Meanwhile, the Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson, Major General Ahmed Al- Mismari, stressed that the GNA forces were responsible for the destruction and looting occuring in Tarhuna. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government condemned the blatant violations committed by these forces in the towns and cities adjacent to Tripoli.
Tarhuna, Qasr bin Ghashir, Al-Urban, and other towns have witnessed a series of revenge attacks after the GNA seized control.
The security situation reportedly remained fragile in Tarhuna, two days after it fell to GNA forces.