Tripoli, 17 August 2014 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemns the grave escalation in the military confrontations in Tripoli and its suburbs. The Mission strongly denounces the shelling of residential neighbourhoods, which has inflicted casualties among civilians, forced them out of their homes and caused damage to property.

UNSMIL deeply regrets that there was no response to the repeated international appeals and its own efforts for an immediate ceasefire. The Mission warns that the continued fighting poses a serious threat to Libya's political process, and to the security and stability of the country.

The Mission calls on all parties to work to put an end to the security deterioration, which forebodes serious consequences on the humanitarian level.

UNSMIL will continue its efforts in a spirit of impartiality and transparency, and to ensure Libya's national interest. The Mission appeals to all parties to cooperate with its efforts to end the bloodshed and stave off further losses, and to expedite tackling the current crisis, starting with a cessation of fighting.