Libyan police said prisoners broke out of a jail in western Libya on Tuesday during armed clashes that spread through two towns near the capital.
The Judicial Police Authority said the escape happened at Surman jail, about 50 km west of Tripoli. Authorities have opened an investigation and formed a committee to identify the escapees and pursue legal action. They did not say how many inmates got out.
The violence flared in Surman and in Zawiya, a coastal city 40 km west of Tripoli and home to Libya’s largest operating refinery. The Azzawiya refinery, which processes 120,000 barrels per day, urged staff to avoid clash zones and nearby roads.
Local officials reported casualties. Salem Bahr, a leader in Zawiya, told Turkey-based Libya Al-Ahrar TV that three civilians were killed and several others wounded. He called for an immediate ceasefire, saying “everyone who wins in this situation loses.”
Unverified video shared online and on local channels showed thick black smoke over both towns and sustained gunfire.
Surman Mayor Mohamed Abu Snina said the humanitarian situation was “very bad” and that infrastructure had suffered serious damage. He added that calm had begun to return after a neutral force deployed to the area.
No group has claimed responsibility for the fighting, and the cause remains unclear. Libya has faced ongoing instability and rival armed factions since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
