Libya Warns of Surge in COVID-19 Infections

Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
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Libya Warns of Surge in COVID-19 Infections

Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)

Libyan authorities have warned on Saturday of a surge in COVID-19 infections as new cases were confirmed among children and infants.

In the meantime, citizens are still awaiting the arrival of vaccines that have not been delivered on time according to the pledges of the outgoing Government of National Accord (GNA).

The Medical Advisory Committee to Combat the Coronavirus in al-Wahat, southwestern Libya, urged citizens to adhere to the preventative measures in order to stem the spread of the pandemic amid a wave of panic among them over the quick transmission of the virus and the increased number of deaths.

The committee attributed this increase to the people’s non-compliance with precautions. It warned that the surge would continue if they failed to respect health regulations.

Meanwhile, the northwestern Kabaw municipality launched a campaign on Friday to test infants and children between the ages of one month and 18 years in an effort to curb the outbreak in the area after it recorded a number of infections in this age category.

Local authorities warned that the second wave of the pandemic was more severe than the first and that people of all ages have not been spared from it.

The GNA had struck agreements for the delivery of 12 million vaccine shots that should have arrived in the country in late March, but the shipments have been delayed.

Head of the new Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdulhamid Dbeibeh pledged to quickly provide the jabs “no matter the cost,” stressing that his government has set this issue as a priority.



Sounion 'Poses Environmental Risk' after Houthi Attack in Red Sea

A handout photo made available by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shows an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) being neutralized by a unit of the European operation ASPIDES in the southern Red Sea, 21 August 2024 (issued 22 August 2024). EPA/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shows an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) being neutralized by a unit of the European operation ASPIDES in the southern Red Sea, 21 August 2024 (issued 22 August 2024). EPA/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES HANDOUT
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Sounion 'Poses Environmental Risk' after Houthi Attack in Red Sea

A handout photo made available by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shows an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) being neutralized by a unit of the European operation ASPIDES in the southern Red Sea, 21 August 2024 (issued 22 August 2024). EPA/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shows an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) being neutralized by a unit of the European operation ASPIDES in the southern Red Sea, 21 August 2024 (issued 22 August 2024). EPA/EUNAVFOR ASPIDES HANDOUT

A Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying 150,000 tons of crude that was evacuated by its crew after being attacked in the Red Sea now poses an environmental hazard, the EU's Red Sea naval mission "Aspides" said on Thursday.

The Houthi militias said they attacked the Sounion oil tanker, which was targeted on Wednesday by multiple projectiles off Yemen's port city of Hodeidah.

"Carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, the MV SOUNION now represents a navigational and environmental hazard," Aspides said in a post on social media platform X.

The Sounion was the third vessel operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers to be attacked in the Red Sea this month. The attack caused a fire onboard, which the crew extinguished, Delta Tankers said in a statement.

The attack led to the loss of engine power.

Delta Tankers said it was working on a plan to move Sounion to a safer destination for further checks and repairs.

According to Reuters, the EU Red Sea naval mission said it responded to a request from the captain of the Sounion and dispatched a ship to rescue the crew to Djibouti.

British ambassador to Yemen Abda Sharif called the Houthi attacks "illegal and reckless.”

"Another Houthi attack threatens Yemen's coastline, fishing industry and environmental catastrophe. Thankfully, the crew have been rescued, but MV Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of oil, is now stranded," she added in a post on X.