A spokesperson for the Municipality of Asabaa, Al-Siddiq Al-Magtoof, has reported eight cases of asphyxiation and four house fires within a 72-hour period.
Al-Magtoof stated in a press release that the eight individuals affected were treated and released from Asabaa General Hospital after receiving initial medical care.
He noted that three of the four homes involved sustained significant damage, while the fourth suffered minor damage.
Additionally, Al-Magtoof mentioned that the government has not informed them of any Maltese experts arriving to investigate the causes of the fires.
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.