Islamist-led militias today streamed into the Libyan capital amid a standoff with fighters loyal to a renegade general whose offensive has won support from officials, diplomats and army units, but has also threatened to fragment the country further.
The militias, known as Libya Central Shield, are composed of groups from the western city of Misrata. They are under the command of the country's chief of staff, who answers to parliament.
The force was deployed by an order from the head of parliament to protect the capital, after the council came under attack by forces allied with Gen Khalifa Hifter. The Islamist-dominated legislature has described Hifter's campaign as a coup.
But reflecting Libya's deep divisions, the government condemned the parliament's move to deploy militias, saying this only "endangers the city and the safety of its residents." The statement also expressed fears over what the government described as "imposing a political decision under the rattle of gunfire."
The government also called on all militias to leave Tripoli.
