Deadly clashes broke out Saturday in Libya's capital between militias backed by its two rival administrations, portending a return to violence amid a long political stalemate. At least two civilians were killed and many others wounded, authorities in Tripoli said.
The escalation threatens to shatter the relative calm Libya has enjoyed for most of the past two years. The oil-rich nation plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Among the two fatalities was Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos mocking militias and corruption. Baraka died after he was shot in his chest, according to Malek Merset, an emergency services spokesman.
Another civilian also died of a gunshot, the spokesman said, adding that the death toll could be higher as emergency services were unable to reach many areas because of the clashes.
Merset said many civilians were wounded in the clashes that erupted overnight and were still underway Saturday afternoon. He said emergency services were still trying to evacuate wounded and civilians trapped in the fighting.
The Health Ministry said in a statement hospitals and medical centers in the capital were shelled, and ambulance teams were barred from evacuating civilians, in acts that “amount to war crimes.”
The municipal council of Tripoli blamed the ruling political class for the deteriorating situation in the capital, and urged the international community to “protect civilians in Libya.”