NATO Terror Saga: Militia Battle For Control of Libya Capital

Rival militia factions have continued exchanging fire in the Libyan capital Tripoli amid international appeals for a ceasefire.

The clashes resumed on Sunday as militia forces have been wrestling one another to gain control of the capital for more than a month.

Gunfire and shelling were heard throughout the day, particularly near the country’s main international airport.

Militias from the town of Zintan, who have controlled the airport since the overthrow of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, have been engaged in fighting with their rivals from the city of Misrata since July 13.

The battles in the capital are part of the chaotic situation posing security concerns all over the country.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement that it “deeply regrets that there was no response to the repeated international appeals and its own efforts for an immediate ceasefire.”

On August 14, Libya’s newly elected parliament asked the UN for a military intervention to protect civilians amid relentless clashes.

The legislative body also voted to dissolve rival militias, giving them an ultimatum to join the military and police by the end of 2014.

However, following the parliament’s vote, thousands of Libyans staged nationwide demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with the plea for foreign military intervention in the North African state.

Nearly three years after Gaddafi’s fall, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militant groups.