Communal fighting has continued in Sebha with locals saying ten civilians and eight combatants had died as violence continues between the Tebu and Awlad Suleiman tribes following a spike last month.

Baraa Zayani is nearly four years old and has spent more than half of his life in a Libyan prison. His only offence: he was born to a Tunisian father, now deceased, who joined the ranks of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) abroad.

The Presidential Council (PC) issued a statement praising the success of “army forces” in thwarting attacks in Sabha, reaffirming that more support will be given to them in order to help them defeat the “mercenaries’ attacks.”

Fursan Janzour Brigade closed the coastal road that links Tripoli to cities and districts westward due to an attack by “gangs and bandits” and their control of Al-Maya side of the road.

Sebha remains tense after a fortnight of clashes centred on the Sixth Brigade (Faris) barracks in downtown Sebha. Tribal mediation efforts have proven ineffective and as divisions have grown.

Tripoli-based Special Deterrence Force (SDF) attacked on Wednesday the Sahara Bank in the coastal district of Al-Maya in Wershiffana, some 27 west of Tripoli, and killed commander of the armed group controlling the bank.

Zuwara’s security forces are effectively on their own, relying on old vehicles and seized weapons to perform duties.

The United Nations said most armed groups involved in human trafficking in Libya have links to the country’s official security institutions.

Human trafficking is on the rise in Libya, according to a report by a UN panel of experts which found that Libyan forces may be helping rebel groups tighten their control of smuggling routes.

The recent breakout of fighting between militias around Mitiga – the only functioning airport in Tripoli – caused chaos and left many dead and injured.