Two children were killed after a mine planted by the Russian Wagner group near the Libyan capital exploded on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Unity Government.
The blast took place in the Ain Zera region, a civilian area where mercenaries had planted improvised explosives before leaving, according to the government’s press center for the Burkan al-Ghadab (Vulcano of Rage).
The children, identified as Maad and Zaida Aburas, died in the blast, officials said.
There are still about 7,000 Wagner mercenaries in Libya, according to a statement from Libya’s Chief of Staff Khalid Mishri on December 12, 2021.
The lives of the civilian population are often endangered by mines planted by forces loyal to the putschist General Khalifa Haftar.
Foreign mercenaries and weapons have flowed into the country since Haftar began its offensive, with Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serving as the putschist general’s main suppliers. According to the UN, there are 20,000 foreign forces and / or mercenaries in Libya.
The oil-rich Libya has been torn apart by years of violence, which has drawn in tribalists, terrorists and mercenaries since 2011 overthrown and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gaddafi in a Western uprising.
The latest escalation began on April 4, 2019, when warlord Haftar, a former Gaddafi loyalist and once CIA asset, attacked Tripoli, the seat of the UN-recognized Government for National Agreements (GNA).
Hundreds died and about 200,000 people were displaced by Haftar Forces attacks with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russian mercenaries.
But then GNA, with increased support from Turkey, repulsed the future invaders and launched a rapid counter-offensive that has recaptured all of northwestern Libya.
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