26 Feb 2019 | 01:09 AM UTC
Libya: Civilians besieged without basic supplies in Derna as of late February /update 7
Civilians reportedly trapped in Derna without access to food, water, medical care as of late February following Libyan National Army (LNA) clearance of Derna Protection Force (DPF) fighters from city
Event
An emerging humanitarian crisis has been reported in Derna as of late February, days after the Khalifa Haftar-led Libyan National Army (LNA) declared that they had cleared fighters affiliated with the Derna Protection Force (DPF) from the Old City area. According to Human Rights Watch, civilians have been trapped in the city in recent weeks without access to food, water, or medical care. The humanitarian situation may deteriorate over the coming days.
Context
LNA forces clashed with the DPF in mid- to late 2018 despite the LNA declaring that it had militarily defeated the group and took control of Derna in late June 2018.
Libya has been divided by rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and the country is likely to remain unstable in the near term amid the ongoing civil war.
Advice
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
