Heavy fighting between rival factions in Libya’s capital raged overnight, leading to fears of a wider escalation in the north African country.
The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and a rival administration, based in the eastern part of the country, accused each other of beginning the shooting Friday in Tripoli’s center. Several loud blasts were also heard around the city.
The fighting lasted into Saturday morning — the longest lasting clash seen in the city for months, according to a report.
Both factions have mobilized in and around Tripoli for last few weeks, with military vehicles moving around the city.
At least two people, a man and a woman, have been killed in the fighting and five others were injured.
A general view of the damaged cars following the clash between two armed groups in Tripoli. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Smoke billows as rival Libyan groups exchange fire. AFP via Getty Images
Military vehicles of the Libyan armed unit prepare to back the Government of National Unity. REUTERSOne of the dead was Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos, who died after he was shot in the chest, according to a report.
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