Heavy clashes broke out Sunday in Al-Raqiat town, southwest of Tripoli International Airport, between local fighters and an armed group from the city of Tarhuna.
Local residents said the clashes erupted after Kani group from Tarhuna moved into Al-Raqiat and killed a man named Joma’a Ben Yahiya near his house in Sabaia district. Hours later, the armed group also stormed Ben Yahiya’s house and killed his brother, Mahmoud.
The situation got tense with the use of heavy fire by Kani group to deter the local fighters who gathered in the streets of the town to fight the Kanis. There were reports of casualties among the local fighters.
The reason behind Ben Yahiya’s murder is not known, but some sources claimed it was because of his rejection to Kani group to take control of Souq Khamis Cement Factory.
The Kanis withdrew from Al-Raqiat later in the evening.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya has expressed deep concern for the safety of civilians. It said in a statement that five locals were killed; demanding halt to fighting, which it said constitutes a war crime.
