Rogue General's Forces Attack Libyan Parliament
Militia loyal to a retired Libyan general have stormed Libya's parliament building, firing weapons and ransacking lawmakers' offices.
Officials say irregular forces commanded by General Khalifa Haftar attacked the building Sunday in an attempt to arrest Islamist lawmakers.
The lawmakers, however, were evacuated from the building before the attack.
A security official said the gunmen also closed the road leading to General National Congress and shelled a nearby military base controlled by an Islamist militia.
Forces loyal to the renegade general control several zones in southern Tripoli around the capital's airport.
The violence in Tripoli came after deadly fighting in the eastern city of Benghazi on Friday between the general's so-called "National Army" and Islamist militiamen.
Libya's parliament is divided between Islamist and non-Islamist forces who have argued over appointing a new government and holding new elections. Recently, Islamists backed the naming of a new prime minister, despite walkouts from the non-Islamist groups.
Officials say irregular forces commanded by General Khalifa Haftar attacked the building Sunday in an attempt to arrest Islamist lawmakers.
The lawmakers, however, were evacuated from the building before the attack.
A security official said the gunmen also closed the road leading to General National Congress and shelled a nearby military base controlled by an Islamist militia.
Forces loyal to the renegade general control several zones in southern Tripoli around the capital's airport.
The violence in Tripoli came after deadly fighting in the eastern city of Benghazi on Friday between the general's so-called "National Army" and Islamist militiamen.
Libya's parliament is divided between Islamist and non-Islamist forces who have argued over appointing a new government and holding new elections. Recently, Islamists backed the naming of a new prime minister, despite walkouts from the non-Islamist groups.
Fuente: La Voz de América, http://www.voanews.com/content/heavy-gunfire-in-libyas-capital-target-unclear/1917078.html
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