National Army infighting leads to casualties in Marj

Tripoli, 25 September:

Clashes broke out between members of the National Army in the eastern town of Marj yesterday, leading to several . . .[restrict]casualties, according to witnesses.

A number of soldiers sustained injuries necessitating hospital treatment, whilst others escaped with bruising. There were reportedly no fatalities.

Scuffles between the soldiers continued even after they had been taken to Marj hospital, with one even throwing a “gelatina” bomb, which detonated in the hospital courtyard.

The cause of the fighting is not known.

Witnesses claimed that the Supreme Security Committee did not attempt to resolve the dispute on the grounds that those involved were members of the Army, forcing hospital staff to intervene themselves.

The staff at Marj hospital, including some foreign nationals, were said to be deeply disturbed by the incident, not least because those involved were members of the Army, who are notionally responsible for keeping the peace and not disrupting it. [/restrict]