6 Killed In Renewed Militia Clashes

At least six people have been killed and 38 injured in fighting between rival militias near the Libyan capital, Tripoli, reports the Libya Herald. 

On Tuesday, fighting broke out between the Tripoli Protection Force (TPF), which is aligned with the U.N.-recognized government of Fayez Serraj, and the 7th Infantry Kani Brigade, which is based in Tarhuna, about 40 mi (65 km) southeast of Tripoli. 

Fighting continued on Wednesday. Schools were closed and a general curfew announced. 

The fatalities included three fighters, two civilians and one person who could not be identified. Most of the injuries were among the fighters. 

The renewed violence ended a cease-fire brokered by the U.N. in September. 

Both sides blamed the other for restarting the fighting.  

The rival factions are fighting over access to the non-functioning Tripoli airport. The government has granted an Italian company a contract to renovate the site, which has proven to be a strategic asset to militias.