Libyans carry the bodies of fallen militias allied with the UN-backed government of national accord during their funeral in Tripoli, capital of Libya, on May 27, 2017. Fresh clashes on Friday between rival militias in the Libyan capital Tripoli killed more than 50 and injured over 100, according to the ministry of health. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)
TRIPOLI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Fresh clashes on Friday between rival militias in the Libyan capital Tripoli killed more than 50 and injured over 100, according to the ministry of health.
The clashes erupted in southern Tripoli between militias allied with the UN-backed government of national accord in Tripoli and a rival militia loyal to the deposed government of Khalifa Gwell.
Loud explosions and heavy firing could be heard in many areas of the capital, witnesses said.
"The figures are not final as there are severely injured people, and we could not receive statistics from some clinics due to connection failure," the ministry said regarding the final death toll.
Gwell's government was replaced by the UN-backed unity government, headed by Fayez Serraj, last year. Allied with militias from the city of Misrata, Gwell's government continued attempts to take back the capital.
Serraj's government issued a statement on Friday condemning the violence: "The government of national accord strongly condemns intimidation of safe residents of the capital Tripoli, who woke up on Friday morning on heavy bombing by an outlaw group."
"This group, led by Khalifa Gwell, has crossed the line and committed a heinous and intolerable crime by endangering the lives of residents," the statement said.
Martin Kobler, the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, also condemned the clashes, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
"Voices of reason should prevail for the benefit of the country. Political aims must not be pursued through violence. Civilians must be protected. I remind all parties of their duty to respect the provisions of international humanitarian and international human rights law," Kobler said.
Libya has been suffering escalating violence and unrest since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. The country is plagued with insecurity and political division.
