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Fierce fighting erupts on outskirts of Libya's Tripoli

Xinhua, April 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Fierce fighting between Libya Dawn militias and pro-government forces broke out on Friday in Libya's capital Tripoli, according to military sources and witnesses.

The fierce fighting started at dawn in Tripoli's eastern suburb of Tajoura, a pro-government military official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Witnesses said random shelling hit a number of residences in the area, as the battle continued on. Witnesses also said the shells "killed and injured several people."

No medical reports confirmed the casualties.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting is taking place in Azizia and Al-Zahra in western Tripoli between Libya Dawn and pro-government forces, attempting to progress towards Tripoli.

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

Pro-government forces have been trying to regain control of the capital from Libya Dawn militias since March.

Although the United Nations brokered several rounds of peace talks between the opposing parties last September, clashes continue despite the truce agreed upon by factions. Endit