2019 Photo Shared as Recent Clashes in Libya
The Claim
The photo shows recent clashes in Janzur, west of Tripoli, Libya.
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Social media users across the MENA region have recently circulated a photo purportedly depicting one of the recent clashes in the Janzur area west of Tripoli, Libya's capital.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading, as the photo dates back to June 2019. The photo depicts a military vehicle belonging to forces loyal to the Al-Wefaq government during armed clashes between Libya's national accord government and Khalifa Haftar's forces. The AFP photographer Mahmud Turkia took the picture in the Al-Sawani area south of Tripoli.
Military Operation in Tripoli in 2019
In April 2019, Khalifa Haftar announced a military operation against Tripoli, Libya's capital, which was controlled by the Government of National Accord, led by Faiz Al-Sarraj, and its allies. According to the World Health Organization, fighting between the two sides killed at least 400 people and injured over 2,000 between April and June of this year.
Clashes in Libya's Janzour Region
The photo began circulating following recent clashes in the Janzur area west of Tripoli between forces loyal to the government of National Unity led by Abdelhamid Dabiba and forces loyal to the pro-government presidential council led by Fathi Pashaga. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed serious concern about the Janzur clashes, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
According to the findings, the Misbar team confirms that the photo is outdated and unrelated to recent events in Libya.
Translated by Dina Faisal
