Fighting rocks Libyan capital
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Fighting rocks Libyan capital, 16 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52e658d18.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 16, 2013
People assist a man who was injured after Libyan militiamen opened fire on a crowd wanting them to move out of their headquarters on November 15 in southern Tripoli.
Gunbattles between militiamen and armed residents have rocked the Libyan capital.
Latest reports say at least 32 people were killed and 400 wounded in the violence, the worst in Tripoli for many months.
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan demanded that all militias, "without exception," leave Tripoli.
But analysts say his government has been nearly powerless in reining in the militias.
The bloodshed began when militiamen from the city of Misurata fired at about 500 protesters demanding their eviction from the capital after they had fought rivals for control of city districts.
A Reuters reporter saw an antiaircraft cannon firing from the "Gharghur brigades'" gated compound into the crowd.
Demonstrators fled but then returned, heavily armed, to attack the compound, where the militiamen remained holed up past nightfall as fighting continued.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
