TRIPOLI, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Sunday expressed concern about the impact of the conflict in the western Libyan city of Sabratha.
Othman Belbeisi, chief of IOM mission in Libya said he is "deeply concerned" about the migrants affected by recent developments in Sabratha, saying that food, water, as well as medical assistance are needed there.
He added 1,700 migrants received food, as well as non-food aid of hygiene kits, blankets and more, promising continued efforts to support the migrants.
Sabratha, located some 70 km west of the capital Tripoli, is one of the largest illegal smuggling destinations in Libya, according to international organizations.
A senior official of Sabratha said on Saturday that more than 3,000 illegal immigrants bound for Europe have been found in the city's detention centers.
Smugglers take advantage of insecurity and chaos in the country to smuggle thousands of migrants in rickety boats across the Mediterranean toward European shores.
Sabratha has witnessed fierce battles since Sept. 17 between the Anti-IS Operation Chamber and militias affiliated with the city's military council.
The three-week fight ended last Friday with the Anti-IS Operation Chamber taking control of the city and defeating the rival militias.
Medical source said that the clashes killed more than 35 people, wounded 200, and displaced thousands of families.
