COVID-19 infections in war-torn Libya rise to 10

TRIPOLI, Libya

Coronavirus cases in Libya have jumped to 10 with two new patients confirmed, officials said Wednesday.

The testing of 11 samples found two positive for COVID-19, the National Anti-Disease Center said on Facebook.

On March 24, the first coronavirus case was recorded in the war-torn country. Later, Libyan authorities banned travel between cities to curb the virus’ spread.

The UN has urged a suspension of hostilities in Libya to help efforts to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: warlord Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya, supported by Egypt and the UAE, and the GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

Libya's legitimate government has been under attack by Haftar’s forces since April 2019, and more than 1,000 people have been killed in the violence.

International efforts to enforce a cease-fire have proven unsuccessful due to persistent violations by Haftar’s forces.




* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara