Ain Zara


Ain Zara is a town and oasis in western Libya, located in the region of Tripolitania.

History

In ancient times it was an important agricultural center. In the surroundings of Ain Zara, remnants of a fourth-century Christian necropolis are located.
During the Italo-Turkish War, it was occupied by the Italians on December 4, 1911 after heavy fighting with Ottoman forces. After capturing Ain Zara, Italian forces fortified the area and built a new railway section that linked Ain Zara to Tripoli.
Around 400 prisoners escaped from a prison in the town on September 2, 2018 amid fighting between rival militias for control of the area.