Thursday, August 23, 2012

Libya Clashes Leave 12 Dead, Dozens Injured in Factional Strife

Libya: tribal clashes leave 12 dead, dozens injured in factional strife

By Associated Press
Thursday, August 23, 6:40 PM

TRIPOLI, Libya — A Libyan security official says a conflict between two tribes in central Libya left 12 dead and dozens injured.

The official says a fight between members of two tribes developed into an out all war between the heavily armed groups in the town of Zlitan, 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli.

It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the hostilities.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

Following last year’s uprising against Moammar Gadhafi, citizens-turned-fighters seized large amounts of weapons and defeated the dicator’s forces. The country remains awash with arms, in the absence of central authority.

Meanwhile, divisions among Libyan tribes over whether to support the old regime or the revolution have left tensions simmering.

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