8 killed in clashes in western Libya

Eight people were killed and two others injured in clashes between armed groups and residents on Sunday in Rqe'at town, 40 km southeast of Libyan capital Tripoli, a security source revealed.

"The clashes broke out at dawn today in the Rqe'at town between young residents and armed groups from the nearby city of Trahona," a source from the interior ministry told Xinhua.

The clashes started after the militants killed Saturday a resident of Rqe'at, sparking anger in the area. Residents attacked a number of militants stationed at the administrative order of the area and the militants retaliated by launching a large-scale armed attack with tanks and artillery, the source said.

The source confirmed that the casualties are likely to rise due to inability of ambulances to access the area of the clashes and to transfer victims.

"The clashes continue intermittently. The militants viciously attacked residential neighborhoods and destroyed civilian homes. There is a state of chaos in the streets of Rqe'at," he added.

There was no official statement from the government or municipal council of Trahona about the clashes.

Libya suffers escalating violence and chaos since the uprising of 2011 that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. The country is plagued with insecurity and unrest.

source: Xinhua