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- IOM called "for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of civilians
- The IOM said it was "alarmed by the recent escalation of violence in Tripoli"
GENEVA: The United Nations voiced alarm Thursday at escalating violence in Tripoli, warning of a 鈥渟evere risk of mass displacement and danger to civilians.鈥�
The UN鈥檚 International Organization for Migration (IOM) called 鈥渇or an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of civilians in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.鈥�
Their statement came amid fresh unrest in Libya, which has struggled to recover from the NATO-backed 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi.
The country remains split between a UN-recognized government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east, controlled by the Haftar family.
Fresh gunbattles erupted Wednesday in the Libyan capital between two powerful armed groups, a security official said, a day after the authorities had declared the fighting over.
The IOM said it was 鈥渁larmed by the recent escalation of violence in Tripoli.鈥�
It added: 鈥淲e are also concerned by the mobilization of armed groups in surrounding regions. There is a severe risk of mass displacement and danger to civilians.鈥�
On Tuesday, the Tripoli-based government said the fighting had been controlled and announced a ceasefire, even as shots were still fired in western parts of Tripoli.
鈥淲e welcome reports of a ceasefire and urge that it be fully and unconditionally respected to safeguard the rights and dignity of all those in the affected areas,鈥� the IOM said.
鈥淚OM continues working with partners to support humanitarian access to all vulnerable groups, including migrants,鈥� it added.
鈥淲e are monitoring possible displacement trends and stand ready to support should needs arise.鈥�