TRIPOLI
At least 97 people have been killed and 404 others wounded since clashes broke out around Tripoli International Airport on July 13, the Libyan Health Ministry said Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said the death toll was based on reports from eight government hospitals in the Libyan capital and its suburbs.
It does not include victims who might have received medical treatment in other hospitals or at the battle field.
Tripoli has been the scene of fierce fighting between armed militias controlling Tripoli International Airport and troops loyal to retired army general Khalifa Haftar since July 13.
On Saturday, the United States decided to suspend the work of its embassy in Tripoli, which is located in close proximity to the airport, and also evacuated the embassy staff to neighboring Tunisia.
Other countries are advising their nationals to immediately leave Libya amid expectations that the tempo of violence would heighten in the next few days.
Libya has been on a high wave of turmoil since the downfall of the Gaddafi regime in 2011.
By Fathi Ismail
www.aa.com.tr/en
