Fresh gun battles erupt in Tripoli as rival Libyan militias clash
Fighting comes day after attack on protesters left over 40 dead in Libyan capital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fresh clashes between rival militias on the outskirts of the Libyan capital killed at least one and wounded a dozen others on Saturday, a day after a militia attack on protesters left over 40 dead.
Libya's Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has appealed for calm as government forces struggle to control militias, Islamist militants and other former fighters who refuse to surrender their arms after helping to oust Muammar Gaddafi.
Violence erupted on Friday when protesters were fired upon as they marched on the Tripoli headquarters of the Misrata militia to demand that it leave the city. The clashes have been some of the worst street fighting in the capital since the revolt against Gaddafi two years ago.
Battles started again on Saturday to the east of Tripoli in Tajoura, where rival militiamen clashed at checkpoints set up to stop more Misrata fighters entering the city, Mohammad Sasi, a local member of Libya's congress said.
At least one person was killed and 15 more wounded, a Health Ministry official said.
“I urge that no forces at all to enter Tripoli,” Zeidan said in a public speech. “It would have negative and catastrophic consequences.”
Misrata militiamen remained in a base near Tripoli airport on Saturday in a stand off with government forces and local pro government militias as they move against the group.
Libya has sought to bring all militias under control by putting them on the government payroll and assigning them to protect government offices. But fighters often battle for control of local areas and remain loyal to their own commanders.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments