Clashes between armed groups have erupted in the Libyan capital, according to local media, as the country escalates into a violent power struggle. Violent exchanges of gunfire and explosions took place in several districts of Tripoli on Friday night, while images that were broadcast by the local press and circulated on social media showed citizens leaving areas where there is heavy human trafficking. Local media reported that medical sources reported that four civilians were injured in the clashes. Fighting erupted between two influential militias from western Libya, according to local media, which identified armed groups as the Nawasi Brigade – a militia loyal to politician Fathi Basaga – and the Stability Support Force, which backs Abdul Hamid. Dbeibah. No motive for the fighting was immediately apparent, but it is the latest violence to rock the country as two rival prime ministers fight for power. Following a 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, political internal strife to fill the power vacuum has plagued oil-rich Libya. Last month, Bashagha tried to seize power by force, sparking clashes before dawn between the armed groups supporting him and those supporting Dbeibah. Dbeiba was appointed to a troubled UN-led peace process early last year to lead the December 2021 election, but the vote was postponed indefinitely. In February, parliament appointed Basaga, once the interior minister, to take over, arguing that Dbeiba’s term had ended. But Dbeiba insisted he would hand over power only to an elected administration.
