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The United Nations has confirmed the death of at least 40 migrants following an attack on a migration detention centre in Tripoli.

The attack was carried out overnight on Tuesday, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

According to Libyan health officials the attack in the Tajoura suburb of Tripoli had led to the death of at least 40 people and wounding 80.

UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley told Reuters that the centre held some 600 people.

“While the rescue operation is ongoing, it may be that that death toll rises higher,” he told Reuters.

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The detention centre that was attacked is home to mainly African migrants seeking to cross into Europe through the north African country.

The UN-backed government has said that the attack was as a result of an air strike.

#Libya | Breaking _ #Tripoli An airstrike by#LNA’s airforce targeted Migrant’s accommodation Center in Tajoura south of the capital this night. the first pictures show the effects of bombing. according to the ministry of Health in GNA, 150 killed at least. pic.twitter.com/7hF3SlONCx — Moftah Mosbah (@mmelumami) July 2, 2019



Thousands of Libyans have also been fleeing their homes in Tripoli as the fighting between Eastern forces and troops loyal to the Tripoli government continues.

Over 200 people are also reported to have been killed in the fighting.

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Eastern Libyan forces have been marching towards the centre of Tripoli seeking to take control of the city.

The troops belonging to Khalifa Haftar who is a former officer in Muammar Gaddafi’s army want to topple the internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

The United Nations has reported of over 2,800 people displaced by the fighting, requiring help to safety.

Libya has been in turmoil since the overthrow and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is ruled by factions.

Source: Africafeeds.com