Up to 16 Egyptians feared killed in clashes with smugglers in Libya

CAIRO: Egypt’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that up to 16 Egyptian migrants may have been killed in Libya in a clash with people smugglers.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) put the toll at 12 Egyptians and three Libyans.

Libya, which borders Egypt to the west, has slided into chaos and has become a launching pad for illegal migrants who cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

“Preliminary information points to between 12 and 16 Egyptian illegal migrants having been killed in clashes with smuggler gangs,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said the incident took place in the town of Bani Walid, a transit point for migrants heading north to the capital Tripoli.

In a statement, UNSMIL Martin Kobler condemned the violence.

“I strongly deplore these terrible killings and call on those with authority on the ground in Bani Walid to ensure that the incidents are investigated and to prevent any further killings,” he said.

Officials in Bani Walid, which is controlled by several groups, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Libya has been contested between three governments and several militias, while the Islamic State group’s affiliate in the North African country has taken over the port city of Sirte. — AFP