Libya: LNA reportedly targets Tripoli hospital May 14 /update 1

Event

Tripoli's Central Hospital was reportedly hit in an alleged Libyan National Army (LNA) artillery strike on Thursday, May 14, injuring 14 and damaging parts of the hospital and the surrounding residential area. This comes following another reported attack on Monday, May 12, in Tripoli's southern al-Hadba district, also attributed to the LNA. The Libyan Health Ministry stated that a rocket attack killed one civilian and injured two others. The LNA has denied involvement in both incidents.

Further attacks are likely in Tripoli in the near term, as the LNA attempts to overcome a series of setbacks in recent months.

Context

The Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4, 2019, and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli on April 7, 2019. LNA and Government of National Accord (GNA) airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8, 2019. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Advice

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.