Clashes between militias in Libya’s capital left at least 13 people dead, sparking concern the OPEC nation that has two rival governments is descending into another full-blown conflict.
Fighting that erupted early Saturday spread to several parts of Tripoli, with the Health Ministry saying in a Facebook statement that a further 95 people had been wounded. The United Nations and U.S. ambassador called for an immediate cease-fire.
The violence shatters a fragile peace that had been in place in much of Libya since mid-2020, but has come under increasing strain after U.N.-backed presidential polls scheduled for December were postponed. This year has seen a standoff between Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s administration in Tripoli and a rival one led by Fathi Bashagha, who has parliament’s backing and also claims the premiership. Both are supported by powerful militias.
