Libyan police reported a mass escape of inmates from Surman jail on Tuesday, as armed clashes erupted in the nearby cities of Zawiya and Surman, west of the capital Tripoli.
Clashes and Escape
The Tripoli-based Judicial Police Authority stated that an investigation has been launched into the incident, but did not disclose the exact number of escaped inmates. A committee has been formed to identify the escapees and take necessary legal action.
Salem Bahr, a local leader in Zawiya, appealed for an end to the fighting, citing civilian casualties. The clashes resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injured several others.
The Azzawiya Oil Company warned workers to take precautions and avoid areas of clashes. Unverified footage showed plumes of black smoke and heavy gunfire in the affected areas.
The mayor of Surman, Mohamed Abu Snina, described the humanitarian situation as very bad, but reported that relative calm has returned to the city after the deployment of a neutral force.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
