Libya: Gunmen fire on protesters in Tripoli August 23 /update 3

Event

Unidentified gunmen fired on protesters in Tripoli's Martyrs' Square on Sunday, August 23, amid demonstrations against poor living conditions. Demonstrators reportedly destroyed a vehicle operated by a militia group which prompted them to fire on the crowd, injuring one protester. The crowd subsequently panicked and dispersed.

Further protests are likely to continue in the coming days. A heightened security presence with associated localized disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of gatherings.

Context

The demonstrations occurring in the Hay Andalous and Tajura area of Tripoli on Sunday were organized by a group called Himt al Shabab (The mettle of youths), a civil society group that reportedly has no formal links to local militias. Protests against poor living conditions also occurred in Zawiyah on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22, which have been larger than those seen in Tripoli. On Friday, at least one protester was injured when police dispersed the gathering with live ammunition.

Advice

Those in Libya are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.