A number of military commanders from Libya's Tripoli-based Islamist government were killed as the helicopter they were on was shot down on Tuesday. Crashing into the sea west of Almaya, the incident has killed at least 13, reports The Guardian.
Colonel Mustafa al-Sharkasi, spokesman for the Tripoli government's chief of staff, states that the helicopter was returning from the capital when it came under anti-aircraft fire. The people on the helicopter had been travelling by air due to the security risks of travelling on land.
Officials and authorities deployed to the crash site believe that there will be no survivors among the 19 people on-board the aircraft. So far, 13 bodies have been recovered and a search is underway to locate the other six, according to The Voice of America.
Immediately after the fiery crash, intense fighting broke out between armed brigades loyal to the government in Tripoli and their rivals, fighters from Washafana town, whom the Islamists blame for the attack.
However, no group has claimed responsibility for the crash as of writing.
Regardless of who really is behind the attack, Sharkasi states that they will be ready to initiate a counterattack as soon as the group behind the crash is pinpointed.
"We firmly condemn the incident and, of course, we accuse elements of the so-called tribal army of Gaddafi's followers. We will respond strongly at the right time and place," he said.
Libya has been in Turmoil since the death of Moammar Gadhafi, who was overthrown and killed in 2011. The attack comes at a time when tensions are high (after mediation by the United Nations to create a unified government in the country) have failed.
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