By Moutaz Ali.
Tripoli, 1 February 2017:
Following clashes that resulted in five people being killed in Gasr Ben Gashir yesterday, three who injured in the fighting are reported to have been murdered today while being treated in a local hospital.
Local gunmen are said to have stormed the Al-Afia medical centre and shot the three in what is being seen as an act of revenge.
The three were from the Marghani family and related to local militia commander Salah Marghani. He is originally from Tarhouna, 40 kilometres from Gasr Ben Gashir.
Reports yesterday said the original clashes were due to attempts by Tarhuna traders, backed by Marghini militia, to assert control over the central vegetable market in Gasr Ben Gashir. Local merchants and their supporters resident. Known as Suq Al-Ahad (Sunday market), it reputedly provides Tripoli, 25 kilometres to the north, with some 50 percent of its vegetables.
As a wealthy institution, it is a prize target for money-hungry militias and local traders in the town had recently voiced their anger at attempts by Tarhouna traders supported by the Marghanis to control business there.
Following a meeting with local elders and security forces, schools in Gasr Ben Gashir have been closed in protest at the armed militias operating in the town, and roads in and out were reported blocked.
