Libya: Over 30 killed and 150 wounded as miltias backing rival governments clash in Triopli

The fighting is highly likely part of an ongoing power struggle between the Tripoli-based government and its rival Fathy Bashagha led government operating from the coastal city of Sirte Cairo: Deadly clashes broke out Saturday in Libya’s capital between militias backed by its two rival administrations, portending a return to violence amid a long political stalemate. Merset said, “emergency services were still trying to evacuate wounded and civilians trapped in the fighting that erupted overnight and continued into Saturday evening.” The health ministry said in a statement, “hospitals and medical centres in the capital were shelled, and ambulance teams were barred from evacuating civilians, in acts that amount to war crimes.” The municipal council of Tripoli blamed the ruling political class for the deteriorating situation in the capital, and urged the international community to “protect civilians in Libya.” The violence caused widespread panic among Tripoli residents. The mission called for an immediate cease-fire, and for all parties in Libya to “refrain from using any form of hate speech and incitement to violence.” The clashes pitted the Tripoli Revolutionaries’ Brigade militia, led by Haitham Tajouri, against another militia allied with Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, an infamous warlord known as “Gheniwa,” according to local media. The fighting, however, is highly likely part of an ongoing power struggle between Dbeibah and his rival Prime Minister Fathy Bashagha who is operating from the coastal city of Sirte.