Iran Press/ Iran News: Oil-rich Libya has been wracked by conflict since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed former autocrat de facto leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country was split by rival administrations, one in the east backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar and an UN-supported administration in the capital of Tripoli in the west. Different militias and foreign powers support each side.
Intense fighting erupted in the Libyan capital overnight and lasted until Saturday morning, with rival militias exchanging heavy gunfire and the sounds of several loud blasts ricocheting around the city.
Pictures and online videos of the city center showed military vehicles speeding through the streets, fighters shooting, and local residents trying to douse fires.
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Clashes break out in Libyan capital
The spokesperson of Iran's Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani, on Sunday expressed deep concern about the recent clashes in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, and emphasized the need to immediately stop these conflicts and resolve the differences between the conflicting parties based on maintaining the interests and security of the Libyan people through dialogue.
The spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on all parties involved to exercise restraint and prevent the escalation of tension and asks them to prioritize the interests of the Libyan people."
Kanaani emphasized: "The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the process of political dialogue and peaceful solutions that preserve the national unity, stability and territorial integrity of Libya and provide the rightful demands of the people of this country for sake of the development and prosperity of Libya."
Militias affiliated with the commander Haitham al-Tajouri fought with armed groups affiliated with Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, known as "Gheniwa."
According to witnesses, the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade, led by al-Tajouri, managed to defeat al-Kikli's militias, take control of the internal security headquarters on al-Jamahiriya Street, seize dozens of cars, and detain three people.
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