Rival Libya militias in fresh clashes near Tripoli

Fresh fighting has broken out between rival Libyan militias on the outskirts of the capital, Tripoli, after at least 43 people died in clashes on Friday, according to the BBC.

The latest violence in the suburb of Tajoura pits local militiamen against incoming fighters from Misrata.

Friday’s clashes occurred after protesters marched on the headquarters of the Misrata militia to demand that it leave Tripoli, and were fired upon.

The BBC’s Rana Jawad in Tripoli says Tajoura is seen as the gateway to the capital and the latest fighting was sparked when an armed convoy from Misrata entered it in an apparent attempt to make its way to the center.

She says armed groups halted the convoy, which retreated 15km (9 miles) away, but that live rounds are still being exchanged.

Friday’s fighting began after demonstrators marched on the headquarters of the Misrata brigades in the Ghargour district.

Misrata is about 200km to the east of the capital.

However, Libya’s al-Ahrar television quoted Taher Basha Agha, the head of the Misrata militia at Ghargour, as saying that the protesters were armed.

“It was not a peaceful demonstration. They carried light arms and shot at us,” he was quoted as saying.

Witnesses said the militiamen had initially fired to ward off the protesters, some of whom were children, but shot at the crowd when it continued to advance.

Other witnesses said armed men returned hours later to storm the militia HQ, with some buildings set on fire.

It is unclear how many casualties were caused at the initial protest and at the later fighting.

It is also unclear whether the attack on the Misrata militia HQ expelled the fighters there or whether they are still in place.

The militia was involved in clashes in the capital last week which left two people dead.

R.S