Intense fighting broke out between armed groups in the Libyan capital Tripoli. As Libyan media reported today, light and heavy weapons were used in the nightly skirmishes between supporters of the two rival governments in the south of the capital. A journalist from the AFP news agency heard gunshots and explosions.
According to consistent media reports, there were clashes between supporters of Tripoli’s Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah and his opponent Fathi Baschagha. The fighting ended after the mediation of another militia. Initially there were no reports of deaths or injuries. In July, 16 people died and more than 50 were injured in fighting in Tripoli.
Since the fall and violent death of long-time ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been rocked by violence and power struggles. Two rival governments have been fighting for power since March. Baschagha is supported as head of government by the parliament in Tobruk. Dbeibah leads the interim government in Tripoli, which was created with the support of the international community.