At least 5 dead in clashes near Libyan capital

Armed members of the Libyan army stand guard during clashes involving groups of people accused to be loyal to the former regime on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, in the Ouerchefana suburb, 30 km west of the capital Tripoli. At least 5 people died and around 20 were wounded during the clashes. AFP PHOTO

TRIPOLI—At least five people were killed and around 20 wounded as armed groups clashed in a western suburb of the Libyan capital on Tuesday, a medical source said.

A security source said the violence broke out during an operation against “armed gangs” including backers of Moammar Gadhafi’s regime, ousted in a 2011 revolt.

The operation was carried out by former rebel fighters in the suburb of Werchefana, which is considered a pro-Gadhafi enclave.

Residents said explosions and gunfire rang out throughout the day.

Five bodies were transported to Tripoli’s Abu Slim hospital, including three people who had been “summarily executed, with their hands bound,” Dr Khaled al-Bouzidi told Al-Naba television.

He said around 20 to 25 people had been admitted with injuries.

After similar clashes last week in the south of the country, the defence ministry said the army on Sunday regained control of an air base near the region’s main city Sebha following its brief capture by supporters of the former regime.