Clashes erupt in Al-Qatrun, Libya, after teenager’s killing
Clashes occurred in the city of Al-Qatrun in southern Libya following the death of 16-year-old Hussein Matar, who was shot at a petrol station. City residents accuse the 87th Battalion of the Libyan National Army of the shooting, but the LNA has not officially commented on the incident, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Clashes between residents and military personnel
On Thursday evening, clashes took place in Al-Qatrun between local residents and servicemen of the 87th Battalion. Random gunfire was heard during the clashes. Several members of the Tebu people were seen carrying weapons.
The National Political Gathering of Fezzan called for those responsible to be held accountable and stated that the 87th Battalion must “bear all the consequences of this crime.” The organisation also demanded the urgent creation of a transparent investigative commission, publication of its findings, and the referral of those involved to justice.
Rania al-Said, co-founder of the gathering, stated that the incident cannot be considered an isolated case or a personal dispute. According to her, it is an attack on social unity and the fragile stability that they are trying to preserve in the south of the country. She called on law enforcement and judicial authorities to detain those involved and hold them accountable.
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Calls for an investigation
A delegation of the High Council of Sheikhs and Elders of Fezzan, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Abu Bakr Nasr, arrived in Al-Qatrun to express condolences, assess the situation and help de-escalate tensions. Council representatives met with Tebu sheikhs, elders and young people, stressing the importance of social cohesion and preventing further bloodshed.
The Fezzan gathering also appealed to the UN Support Mission in Libya to protect civilians in the south of the country and launch an independent international investigation. The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya called on the Interior Ministry, the Al-Qatrun Security Directorate, the Criminal Investigation Agency and the prosecution office under the jurisdiction of the Sebha Court of Appeal to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Matar’s death.
Al-Qatrun is controlled by the Libyan National Army. The interim Government of National Unity is not represented in the city, which, according to the publication, also suffers from fuel shortages.
