People gather next to burnt cars after yesterday's clashes in Tripoli, Libya. August 28, 2022. (REUTERS/Hazem Ahmed)
CAIRO: Militias patrolled nearly deserted streets in Libya’s capital on Sunday, a day after clashes killed over 30 people, and ended Tripoli’s monthslong stretch of relative calm.
The dead included at least 17 civilians, local authorities said. The fighting broke out early Saturday and pitted militias loyal to the Tripoli-based government against other armed groups allied with a rival administration that has for months sought to be seated in the capital.
Residents fear the fighting that capped a monthslong political deadlock could explode into a wider war and a return to the peaks of Libya's long-running conflict.
Saturday's fighting centered in the densely populated city center and involved heavy artillery.
Hundreds were trapped and hospitals, government and residential buildings were damaged. Burned vehicles were seen littered in the clashes area.
The Health Ministry said at least 32 people were killed and 159 wounded in the clashes. Among those killed was Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos mocking militias and corruption.
The Associated Press spoke to dozens of residents and witnesses. They recounted horrific scenes of people, including women and children, trapped in their homes, government buildings and hospitals.
Much of the city has suffered nightly power outages. Several businesses were closed on Sunday and he state-run National Oil Corp. ordered its employees to work remotely on Sunday.
Residents were still weary of potential violence and most stayed in their homes on Sunday. Many rushed to supermarkets when the clashes subsided late Saturday to stock up on food and other necessities. Others were seen inspecting their damaged business, homes and vehicles.
"Our demand is very simple: a normal life," said a Tripoli school teacher who only gave a partial name, Abu Salim.
Militia clashes are not uncommon in Tripoli. Last month, at least 13 people were killed in militia fighting. In May, Bashagha attempted to install his government in Tripoli, triggering clashes that ended with his withdrawal from the city.
