This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-48849595

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Libya attack: 'Dozens killed in air strike' on migrant centre Libya attack: 'Dozens killed in air strike' on migrant centre
(about 1 hour later)
At least 40 people have been killed by an air strike that hit a migrant detention centre in Libya, officials say.At least 40 people have been killed by an air strike that hit a migrant detention centre in Libya, officials say.
Another 80 are reported to have been wounded in the explosion, which happened at a facility in an eastern suburb of the capital, Tripoli.Another 80 are reported to have been wounded in the explosion, which happened at a facility in an eastern suburb of the capital, Tripoli.
The majority of those killed are reported to be African migrants.The majority of those killed are reported to be African migrants.
In recent years, Libya has been a key springboard for migrants seeking to travel to Europe.In recent years, Libya has been a key springboard for migrants seeking to travel to Europe.
The country has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.The country has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.
Osama Ali, a spokesman for the emergency services, told AFP that 120 migrants had been in a hangar which was directly hit by the strike in Tajoura. Osama Ali, a spokesman for the emergency services, told AFP that 120 migrants had been in a hangar which was directly hit by the strike.
He added that more people may have been killed because the death toll so far was "a preliminary assessment".He added that more people may have been killed because the death toll so far was "a preliminary assessment".
The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which is led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serra, has blamed the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) for Wednesday's strike. The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which is led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serra, has blamed the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) for Tuesday's strike in the suburb of Tajoura.
In a statement, it said the attack was "premeditated" and "precise" and denounced it as a "heinous crime".
The LNA - led by strongman Khalifa Haftar - has been fighting forces loyal to the country's internationally recognised government in the area where the strike happened.The LNA - led by strongman Khalifa Haftar - has been fighting forces loyal to the country's internationally recognised government in the area where the strike happened.
It had announced on Monday that it would start heavy air strikes on targets in Tripoli after "traditional means" of war had been exhausted.It had announced on Monday that it would start heavy air strikes on targets in Tripoli after "traditional means" of war had been exhausted.
But a spokesperson for the LNA denied that its forces had hit the detention centre. But a spokesperson for the LNA told Reuters news agency that its forces had not hit the detention centre.
The UN refugee agency said it was "extremely concerned" at reports of the strikes on the migrant centre.
Doctor Khalid Bin Attia attended the scene of the attack. "People were everywhere," he told the BBC. "The camp was destroyed, people are crying, there is psychological trauma. It was horrible."
Thousands of migrants attempting to travel to Europe are held in government-run detention centres - such as this one - which are often located close to the frontlines of the country's conflict.Thousands of migrants attempting to travel to Europe are held in government-run detention centres - such as this one - which are often located close to the frontlines of the country's conflict.
The poor conditions of these centres have been criticised by human rights groups.The poor conditions of these centres have been criticised by human rights groups.
The European Union has stepped up co-operation with the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrant boats.The European Union has stepped up co-operation with the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrant boats.
But people-smuggling gangs have flourished in the country's political chaos, charging desperate migrants thousands of dollars per head.But people-smuggling gangs have flourished in the country's political chaos, charging desperate migrants thousands of dollars per head.