Fighting Between Rival Militias Rocks Libya

Clashes between armed groups have erupted in Libya’s capital - Tripoli as the country reels amid a violent power struggle.

Aljazeera reports on Saturday that heavy exchanges of gunfire and explosions ricocheted across several districts of Tripoli on Friday night.

The intense fighting involved two militias from western Libya, with the armed groups identified as the Nawasi Brigade – a militia loyal to politician Fathi Bashagha – and the Stability Support Force, which backs interim premier Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

The fighting is the latest violence to rock the country as two rival prime ministers vie for power.

Bashagha attempted to seize power by force last month and caused clashes between armed groups supporting him and that of Dbeibah.

A United Nations-led peace process early last year appointed Dbeibah to lead a transition to elections set for December 2021, but the vote was indefinitely postponed.

In February, parliament appointed Bashagha, to take over, stating Dbeibah’s mandate had ended. But Dbeibah insisted he will only leave the post to an elected administration.