The United Nations has called for urgent de-escalation in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, as rival gunmen exchanged fire in the city’s southern districts after the killing of a powerful militia leader, with authorities imposing an emergency lockdown.
The appeal early on Tuesday came as residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions across multiple neighbourhoods from about 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) on Monday.
The Defense Ministry of Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity announced that the military operation in the Libyan capital came to an end, according to Al Wasat television.
The ministry said it directed the troops to "complete the implementation of its plan in the region to ensure sustainable security and stability." It did not provide details of the operation.
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Violent riots have erupted in the Libyan capital, the country’s Libya Press news agency reported.
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In a statement, the ministry called on all Tripoli residents to "stay indoors and off the streets for their own safety due to the ongoing clashes between the 444th Combat Brigade, which is backed by the Misrata Brigade, and the Stability Support Apparatus," the news agency said.
According to the report, the clashes erupted after the assassination of Abdelghani al-Kikli, the head of the apparatus.