Seventeen Spanish nationals, including nine businessmen, have been safely evacuated from Tripoli, Libya to Italy, following days of intense armed clashes between rival militias that have left the Libyan capital in a state of heightened danger, according to Italian news agency Nova.
The evacuation was coordinated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working through its embassy in Tripoli, its crisis unit, and in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office. The group of evacuees included business delegates involved in a trade mission organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Tarragona.
Due to the closure of Tripoli International Airport amid the fighting, the evacuation was carried out from the city of Misrata, located approximately 200 kilometers east of the capital. The group was then flown to Rome, and is expected to return to Spain later today.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed the success of the evacuation and praised the efforts of the Spanish embassy in Libya for managing the crisis under highly dangerous conditions.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
