Nine people were killed by a mortar shell explosion during a military exercise at a camp in the Harsha area of Al-Zawiya, in western Libya, according to Libyan ambulance and rescue services.
Several injured individuals remain hospitalized, some in critical condition.
As a gesture of mourning, the municipality of North Al-Zawiya has declared a three-day mourning period, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, and suspended all celebrations, in honour of the victims of the explosion that left nine people dead and several others wounded.
The blast occurred at a camp belonging to the Force for Combating Security Threats while military personnel were conducting a training exercise.
Initial reports from local sources indicated that three soldiers were killed instantly, with several others wounded.
The death toll later rose to nine, following the passing of six individuals who had been receiving medical care after the explosion.
Ambulance and rescue services confirmed the toll, while the injured continue to receive treatment at hospitals in the city.
According to local reports, some remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the number of casualties could rise further.
The precise circumstances of the accident have yet to be established.
Security authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement identifying the cause of the explosion, the conditions under which the mortar shells were being handled, or any potential failures that may have occurred during the exercise.
The incident took place in a part of western Libya where security remains a sensitive issue.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion is expected to determine where responsibility lies.
It will also shed light on the safety protocols in place during the military exercises.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA