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18 killed in rival clashes near Libya's Tripoli

Xinhua, April 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Eighteen people have been killed in clashes between Islamist armed group Libya Dawn militias and pro-government forces near the capital Tripoli, military sources said Saturday.

The heavy fighting took place on Friday in Al-Azizia city, 30 km south the capital Tripoli, a military source of pro-government forces told Xinhua.

"The clashes killed 10 and injured more than eight. However, our supporting troops are still stationed in advanced positions," the source added.

On the other hand, a source of Libya Dawn militias confirmed to Xinhua that the pro-government forces have progressed inside Al-Azizia, "but retreated after fierce battles during which they suffered human losses."

"Eight of our troops were killed and four others were wounded," the source added, pointing out that 14 fighters of the pro-government forces have been captured and moved to a safe place.

The capital city fell in the hands of Libya Dawn last August. The armed Islamist coalition has established its own government to confront the internationally recognized one, currently in exile in the eastern town of Tobruk.

The pro-government forces, mainly consisting of Zintan militias and tribal forces, have been trying to regain control of the capital from Libya Dawn militias since early March. The clashes are taking place in the western cities of El-Ajelat, Sabratha, Sorman and Al-Zawia.

Although the United Nations has brokered several rounds of peace talks between the opposing parties since last September, clashes remained despite a truce agreed on by factions. Endit