Rival militia clashes in Libya leave 27 dead, many injured

A vehicle destroyed in the two days of fighting. Pic/AP

Clashes between rival militias in Libya's capital killed at least 27 people and left residents trapped in their homes on Tuesday, unable to escape the violence, authorities said.

The fighting appears to be the most intense to shake Tripoli this year. In addition to the 27 deaths, over 100 people were injured, Libya's Emergency Medicine and Support Center said early on Wednesday.

The clashes erupted late on Monday between militiamen from the 444 brigade and the Special Deterrence Force, according to local media. Tensions flared after Mahmoud Hamza, a senior commander of the 444 brigade, was allegedly detained by the rival group at an airport in Tripoli earlier in the day, the reports said.

Throughout the fighting Tuesday, the Health Ministry urged the warring sides to allow ambulance and emergency teams to enter the affected areas, primarily in the south of the city, and for blood to be sent to nearby hospitals. The escalation follows months of relative peace after nearly a decade of civil war.

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