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Homes, shops caught in cross-fire of Tripoli clashes

Saturday, 22 September 2018 11:43 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 22 September 2018 11:46 PM ]

Forces loyal to the government of national reconciliation patrol a street during renewed clashes in the south of the Libyan capital Tripoli on September 22, 2018. (AFP)

Homes and shops in Tripoli's south stood damaged and destroyed on Saturday, September 22, after clashes between rival forces that have gripped the Libyan capital since August.

A burned vehicle is seen in a street during renewed clashes in the south of the Libyan capital Tripoli on September 22, 2018. (AFP)

Pockets of fighting have led to the destruction of businesses, knocked out power in most of the city's stations and led to a complete shutdown of Tripoli's main airport.

The clashes, which started last month, were interrupted briefly by a shaky truce brokered by the United Nations, but renewed fighting began again on Monday, September 17.

Libya has been divided since 2014 between rival authorities that have taken power amid widespread anarchy prevailing since long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi fell in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Forces allied with the UN-backed government in Tripoli have been fighting alongside the government's peace keeping forces in an attempt to recapture parts of the city.

Fighters loyal to the government of national reconciliation patrol a street during renewed clashes in the south of the Libyan capital Tripoli on September 22, 2018. (AFP)

Tripoli and western Libya are technically run by a UN-backed government but in reality armed groups allied to it are in charge, fighting over access of public funds and business contracts.

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