Situation remains tense in Libyan town of Kufra: UN

According to an assessment by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Humanitarian Country Team, tribal clashes in the town have displaced half of the population in the area although a ceasefire brokered by local officials remains in effect.

Reports say at least 113 tribesmen from the Toubu tribe and another 23 from the Zwai tribe have been killed since clashes erupted between the two ethnic communities in the desert city on February 12.

“As much as half of Kufra's population has sought refuge outside the town, while some 200 third-country migrants are waiting to be moved from the area,” said UNSMIL.

The Libyan army has entered Kufra in an effort to secure the city and end the deadly ethnic conflict.

The UN agencies have urged the two tribes, which are old rivals and speak different languages, to resolve their disputes through peaceful means.

UNSMIL said that the UN and local humanitarian groups continue to provide assistance to Kufra residents. The mission says more supplies will arrive soon from existing stocks in the country and elsewhere.