US calls for talks between Libyan rivals amid Tripoli clashes

ISTANBUL (AA) – The United States has called for an immediate cease-fire between conflicting parties in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and to engage in talks facilitated by the UN.

In a statement, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland condemned the "surge in violence in Tripoli."

Norland called for allowing "humanitarian corridors to evacuate casualties and civilians caught in crossfire," and to put an end to the violence in Tripoli "before things get even worse."

"All Libyan leadership figures have an urgent role to play in this process and we call on them at this time to put the interests of the Libyan people first," he said.

At least 32 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between rival militias in several districts in Tripoli.

The situation calmed in the capital on Sunday, one day after heavy clashes between forces backing Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and forces loyal to his rival Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed by the Tobruk-based parliament as a prime minister.

The violence, the worst since reaching a cease-fire in 2020, came amid military buildups by forces affiliated with Dbeibeh and Bashagha, as both figures claim power and authority in the capital.

Oil-rich Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar