UNSMIL yesterday strongly condemned the increased attacks on civilian populated areas in Tripoli, including what it referred to as ”the appalling shelling” Thursday on Tripoli’s Zawiat al-Dahmani neighbourhood, near the Turkish embassy and the Italian ambassador’s residence, which reportedly killed at least two civilians and injured three others.

UNSMIL said it will continue to document violations to be shared, where relevant, with the Panel of Experts and the International Criminal Court.

It said that it is deeply alarmed by the intensification of indiscriminate attacks at a moment when Libyans deserve to peacefully observe the holy month of Ramadan and a time when they are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. These ”despicable actions” are a direct challenge to calls by some Libyan leaders for an end to the protracted fighting and for the resumption of the political dialogue, it added.

Once again, these attacks display a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights law and may amount to war crimes. All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law including complying with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks to prevent civilian casualties. UNSMIL reiterates that those guilty of crimes under international law will be held to account.