Libyan army to intervene if southeast clashes go on

TRIPOLI: Libyan government forces will intervene if clashes between rival tribes over control of territory in the southeastern corner of the country do not stop, the military chief said.

Clashes broke out about 10 days ago in the city of Al Kufra and have continued since, highlighting the challenge of policing the sparsely populated desert. Dozens of people have been killed, the tribes have said.

The violence comes as Libya’s ruling National Transitional Council is struggling to assert its authority across Libya as rival militias and tribal groups jostle for power and resources following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

Gunmen from the Zwai tribe have clashed with fighters from the Tibu ethnic group led by Isa Abdel Majid, whom they accuse of attacking Al Kufra backed by mercenaries from Chad, according to a security official from the Zwai tribe.

The Tibu, however, said they were the ones to come under attack.

Armed forces chief Yousef alMangoush said an agreement between the two sides had been reached on Sunday, but further “more intense” clashes took place on Monday.

He reported injuries, but did not give a figure.

“The Defence Ministry and the army are warning that if the fighting does not stop, there will be decisive military intervention to put an end to the clashes,” he said.

He added military forces were in the area but so far had not intervened. He denied there was any foreign presence there and said the problems between the two tribes stemmed from the past and reconciliation was needed.

Adelbari Idriss, a security official from the Zwai tribe, said a “large number” of people were leaving Al Kufra for other towns.

He said the Zwai had stopped four cars carrying Chadian men.