08/11/2013 10:00
Militias clash in Tripoli after commander's death
Gun battles between rival militias raged in several parts of the Libyan capital on Thursday night with no immediate reports of casualties, CNN reported.
The sound of anti-aircraft gunfire and blasts echoed across Tripoli in one of the most intense incidents of militia infighting in the city since the fall of the Gadhafi regime two years ago.
The clashes, between a militia from the city of Misrata and Tripoli militiamen, broke out after a Misrata militia commander died as a result of injuries he suffered on Tuesday. Commander Nuri Fairwan was injured Tuesday in fighting between the two militias that began with a dispute at a Tripoli checkpoint and escalated.
There was no official statement from the Libyan government on the renewed clashes.
Witnesses in parts of the capital affected by the clashes said residential buildings and a five-star hotel were hit by the gunfire.
Tripoli's Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel, which houses western diplomats and is frequented by journalists and business guests, was hit by several rounds of anti-aircraft gunfire, which caused some damage including shattered glass windows.
Hotel staff and guests were led to the basement during the heavy fighting in the vicinity.
Many Libyans are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the country and the increasing power of militias who continue to operate freely.