Libya: Tripoli gov't blames Haftar for tribal clashes

By Walid Abbullah

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – The UN-recognized Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) on Thursday blamed forces loyal to military commander Khalifa Haftar for the tribal clashes taking place in the town of Murzuq, southwestern Libya

In a statement, the GNA said that Haftar's forces were responsible as they "were taking control over the town when the clashes erupted."

Since early June, fierce clashes have erupted between the tribes of Al-Tabu and Al-Ahali in the town. The clashes have caused the deaths of handful of people and injured dozens.

Observers blame the clashes on “old disputes" between the two tribes.

The GNA also called for an "immediate" halt to the clashes in the town and a return to dialogue.

It also called on the UN mission in Libya and the international community to investigate the incidents with a view to holding the perpetrators accountable.

Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011 when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and death of long-serving President Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades in power.

Since then, the country’s stark political divisions have yielded two rival seats of power -- one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli -- and a host of heavily armed militia groups.