Libya: deadly clashes at anti-militia protest in Tripoli
- 11 years ago
A least 13 people have been killed and 130 wounded in clashes between militiamen and protesters in Tripoli, according to Libyan state media.
Demonstrators said that members of the Misrata militia had opened fire on them, as they marched towards their headquarters to demand that they leave the city.
Tripoli resident Nouri Al-Drougi, who was taking part in the march, expressed his fury that civilians were not protected : “Look at this, is the blood of Libyans!... I say to the General National Congress, ‘you traitors’ and to the government, you ‘traitors’. Where is the army where is the police?”
The Libyan authorities are struggling to contain numerous militias who control many parts of the country.
Friday’s anti-militia protest came amid increasing calls for the armed groups to be disbanded or join the army, in line with an end of year deadline set by the interim government.
Demonstrators said that members of the Misrata militia had opened fire on them, as they marched towards their headquarters to demand that they leave the city.
Tripoli resident Nouri Al-Drougi, who was taking part in the march, expressed his fury that civilians were not protected : “Look at this, is the blood of Libyans!... I say to the General National Congress, ‘you traitors’ and to the government, you ‘traitors’. Where is the army where is the police?”
The Libyan authorities are struggling to contain numerous militias who control many parts of the country.
Friday’s anti-militia protest came amid increasing calls for the armed groups to be disbanded or join the army, in line with an end of year deadline set by the interim government.