Latest Fighting between rival communities in Libya could be the start of a new civil war 1611112

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Defense News - Libya
 
 
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 07:49 AM
 
Latest Fighting between rival communities in Libya could be the start of a new civil war.
Although the fighting in Libya is officially over a local dispute between rival communities near Tripoli has seen fresh gunfire. On Saturday at least seven fighters were killed in clashes raising fears that former rebels may turn on each other.
     

A Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) fighter fires a rocket-propelled grenade during a street battle in Sirte on October 18, 2011. Thousands of weapons are in the hands of NTC fighters, often members of rival communities.
     

“We think that we are getting to some kind of stability,” Mustafa Abdul Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC) said, blaming “irresponsible” former rebels for the violence.

For several days fightings took place between rival communities in Libya. In addition, thousands of weapons are in civilian hands and without any control from the NTC. All these events could be the start of a new civil war in Libya.

“There are many accusations from both sides. We don’t know how many of the accusations are true,” he told a news conference, referring notably to accusations from Zawiyah, strenuously denied by the Wershifanna, that Gaddafi loyalists had attacked NTC fighters around the Imaya military base.

The NTC is seeking to reassure its international backers that it can form a government this month and establish order.