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UNHCR halts work at Libya migrant center

The U.N. refugee agency said it was suspending operations at a migrant center in the Libyan capital of Tripoli due to safety concerns as violence intensifies.

Irish vessel LÉ James Joyce rescues migrants northwest of Tripoli
Irish vessel LÉ James Joyce rescues migrants northwest of Tripoli (AN/Óglaigh na hÉireann)

The United Nations refugee agency said it was suspending operations at a migrant transit center in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Thursday due to safety concerns as violence between two main warring factions intensifies.

Officials with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, said the severely overcrowded Gathering and Departure Facility had become too dangerous of an operation, both for migrants and staff. Libya has sunk into lawlessness since the 2011 uprising toppling and killing dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who ruled for 42 years.

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