The Libyan government today urged all militias to withdraw from Tripoli and stay out of politics, after the parliament speaker had called for ex-rebels from Misrata to "protect the capital."
The cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Abdallah al-Theni "issued an appeal to the chiefs of all armed brigades in Greater Tripoli" to leave the city and steer clear of politics, Culture Minister Habib Lamine said.
On Sunday, fighters from the powerful Zintan brigades, which supports a renegade general who has launched a campaign against jihadists, attacked the premises of the Islamist-dominated General National Congress, or interim parliament, and set part of it on fire.
In response, GNC speaker Nuri Abou Sahmein called for help from equally powerful ex-rebels from the city of Misrata, who have declared themselves supporters of parliament, to "protect the capital and the institutions of state."
Earlier today, some elements from the Misrata militias entered a southern district of the capital, giving rise to fears of possible clashes with their Zintani rivals.
The government statement said Abu Sahmein's decision to call in the Misrata fighters "threatens the security of the city and its inhabitants".
