Fajr Libya Militants Overrun Capital Tripoli

Local Editor

Libya's outgoing government admitted from its safe refuge in the east of the country that it has in effect lost control of the capital of Tripoli to armed militias on Monday.

The interim government led by Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani, which resigned recently last week, said armed groups, mostly militias, were in control of ministries and blocking access to government workers.

The government said in a statement: "Ministry and state offices in Tripoli have been occupied by armed militias who are preventing government workers from entering and are threatening their superiors."

It said the interim government was in contact with officials and "trying to ensure the continuity of services from afar."

Meanwhile, the parliament and government are operating out of Libya's east for security reasons.

Tripoli was captured after a five-week battle, involving heavy and indiscriminate artillery bombardments between Fajr Libya militants and tribal fighters from Zintan, Warshafan and Warfallah militia groups.

Nearly three years after the fall of the former ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, in a popular uprising in 2011, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity.

Armed militant groups, who have refused to lay down arms, are now turning their guns on each other in an attempt to dominate politics and the country's vast oil resources.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team