The US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, said that those responsible for the Tripoli clashes, which took place Friday evening, must pay for their actions.
“Such clashes should not continue or escalate – those responsible will pay a price with the Libyan people and the international community,” Norland tweeted.
On Friday night, clashes between armed groups erupted in Libya’s capital, according to local media, as the country reels from a failed coup attempt three weeks ago.
Heavy exchanges of gunfire and explosions ricocheted across several districts of Tripoli on Friday, according to journalists, while images broadcast by the local press showed civilians fleeing heavily trafficked areas.
The intense fighting involved two influential militias from western Libya, local media reported.
No casualties or motive for the fighting were immediately apparent, but it was the latest violence to rock the country as two rival prime ministers vie for power.
After a 2011 revolt toppled longtime ruler Muammar Gadhafi, political infighting to fill the power vacuum has plagued oil-rich Libya.
Last month, politician Fathi Bashagha attempted to seize power, sparking pre-dawn clashes between armed groups supporting him and those backing interim premier Abdulhamid Dbeibah.
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