Inmates staged a mass escape from Surman jail in western Libya on Tuesday amid armed clashes between rival groups in Zawiya and Surman. Three civilians were killed and several others injured.
The mass escape and armed clashes underscore the persistent instability and security challenges in western Libya, impacting civilian safety and critical infrastructure like the Azzawiya refinery.
Inmates staged a mass escape from Surman jail in western Libya on Tuesday amid armed clashes between rival groups in Zawiya and Surman, cities west of the capital Tripoli. The Tripoli-based Judicial Police Authority confirmed the escape and stated an investigation had been launched, but did not reveal the exact number of inmates who fled.
Local leader Salem Bahr reported that the clashes killed three civilians and injured several others, appealing for an end to the violence. The Azzawiya Oil Company, responsible for Libya's largest functioning refinery with a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, urged workers to avoid the areas of conflict. Unverified footage showed plumes of black smoke and heavy gunfire.
The mayor of Surman described the humanitarian situation as very bad, with serious damage caused by the clashes. Relative calm reportedly returned to the city after the deployment of a neutral force. The reasons for the fighting and the involved parties were not immediately clear, highlighting the ongoing instability in Libya since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.