Libyan armed groups clash in Tripoli, no casualties - Reports
Despite the heavy clashes involving gunfire and explosions between armed groups in Libya's capital Tripoli, no casualties are reported.
-
Heavy weapons were used in the fighting which occurred in the El Jebs district in the city's south
Local media reported clashes between armed groups overnight in Tripoli, in the most recent display of violence hitting the Libyan capital.
Gunfire and explosions were heard around 1:00 am Saturday (2300 GMT) in the city, according to an AFP journalist.
The reports said that light and heavy weapons were used in the fighting which occurred in the El Jebs district in the city's south.
Since the 2011 West-led war on Libya, the country has been split between the two parties, with the rival sides of the conflict concluding their latest round of talks a month ago without reaching a deal to try and set the rules for the country's elections.
Read more: Death toll from armed clashes in Libyan capital rises to 16 people
Saturday's clashes occurred between armed supporters of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, head of the unity government based in Tripoli, and others backing his rival Fathi Bashagha, named in February as prime minister.
As per local media sources, the fighting ended with the intervention of another group who mediated, and immediate reports of casualties have been reported.
It is worth noting that tensions in the North African country have been rising for months as two prime ministers vie for power, raising fears of renewed conflict.
Since the 2011 NATO-fueled conflict in Libya, the country has been split between the two parties, with the rival sides of the conflict concluding their latest round of talks almost two months ago without reaching a deal to try and set the rules for the country's elections.
The presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya, originally set for December 2021, were supposed to be the result of the UN-sponsored peace process after the last round of violence shook the country from 2019 to 2020. The vote never took place because of deep disagreements between factions.
