UN Security Council Condemns Airstrike On Migrant Center in Libya

U.S. Reverses Decision, Calls For Ceasefire

The UN Security Council on Friday condemned a deadly air strike on a migrant detention center in Libya and called for a ceasefire between the warring parties. This came after the U.S. reportedly blocked the Security Council from condemning the strike on Wednesday. It looks like the U.S. reversed its decision to not condemn the strikes.

“The members of the Security Council stressed the need for all parties to urgently de-escalate the situation and to commit to a ceasefire,” the statement read. “Lasting peace and stability in Libya will come only through a political solution.” The statement also called for other countries to not intervene in the conflict.

The airstrike, which killed at least 53 civilians, was blamed on rebel leader and former Gen. Khalifa Hafter, who has denied responsibility. Hafter, a U.S. citizen and former CIA asset, has been leading a months-long campaign against the UN backed unity government in Tripoli.

President Trump spoke with Hafter over the phone in April, praising him for his fight against terrorism and for securing oil fields in the country.

U.S. weapons were recently discovered in a military base used by Hafter’s forces, with markings indicating they were sold to the United Arab Emirates in 2008. U.S. politicians have called for an investigation into the weapons found at the base.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.