TRIPOLI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed government on Sunday declared state of security emergency in the capital Tripoli, due to escalating violence and clashes between the government forces and armed militias since Monday.
"Due to the seriousness of the current situation and for the public interest, the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord declares state of security emergency in the capital Tripoli and its outskirts, in order to protect civilians as well as public and private properties," the Government said in a statement.
"The violations that happened and are happening in Tripoli are tampering with the security of the capital and cannot be tolerated," the government said, confirming that the situation requires "taking all security, military and civilians procedures."
Southern Tripoli has witnessed violent clashes since Monday between government forces and armed militias, which have so far killed 41 people and injured 123 others.
The Libyan Interior Ministry announced on Friday a cease-fire in Tripoli under the auspices of the United Nations. However, witnesses confirmed that heavy gun firing and explosions could still be heard in some parts of the city.
The reasons for the clashes remain unknown, with growing tensions and military mobilization over the past few days between armed groups from outside and inside the city.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the continuing escalation of violence in and around Tripoli, warning that "indiscriminate use of force is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law."
Following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Gaddafi's regime, Libya has been suffering escalating violence and political division.
