At least 42 civilians were reportedly killed in an LNA or Emirati airstrike on Murzuq in one of the biggest civilian harm events in Libya since 2011.

Al Jazeera said: “At least 42 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an air raid in southern Libya, an official said, as the United-Nations recognised government blamed forces loyal to renegade general Khalifa Haftar for the attack.”

It added, quoting the same official: “‘No armed or wanted people were among them … Haftar bombed unarmed civilians,’ he said, calling for humanitarian aid since the local hospital could not cope with the high number of casualties.”

Reuters reported: “‘The air strike resulted in 43 killed and 51 wounded. This is only an initial toll of casualties,’ Murzuq municipal council member Mohamed Omar told Reuters in a phone interview.

He said the done strike had targeted a town hall meeting where residents were holding discussions after days of clashes between rival tribesmen.”

The Guardian later said at least 45 people had been killed.

According to various outlets, pro-LNA sources said the strike had targeted Chadian opposition fighters.

While the majority of sources accused the LNA of conducting the strike, it does not itself operate drones. Emad Badi blamed the UAE for flying the drone.