Rival Militias Clash in Libya’s Capital, Shattering Shaky Calm

(Bloomberg) -- Sporadic clashes broke out on Tripoli’s southern outskirts early Wednesday between rival militias, killing at least one person in a flare-up of violence in the war-ravaged North African nation.

The Tripoli Protection Force, which is loyal to the United Nations-backed central government, was forced to strike back after a rival militia failed to comply with a deal to withdraw from the Qasr Ben Gashir area south the capital, according to a statement issued by the state’s media office.

At least one person was killed and 17 other injured in the fighting, Health Ministry official Malek Marseet said by phone.

The United Nations mission in Libya warned in a statement against breaches to a ceasefire concluded in September and said that “any party initiating a confrontation will be held fully responsible.”

Earlier clashes had pitted the TPF against the 7th Brigade, which hails from the city of Tarhouna, south of Tripoli. The TPF said it had to respond in order to protect civilian lives and property.

To contact the reporter on this story: Saleh Sarrar in Dubai at ssarar@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alaa Shahine at asalha@bloomberg.net, Tarek El-Tablawy, Shaji Mathew

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