Dozens Killed In Libya's Capital As Militia Opens Fire On Protesters

At least 31 people were killed and hundreds more injured when an armed militia opened fire on a crowd.

By
Ellie Hall
by Ellie Hall

BuzzFeed News Reporter

At least 31 people were killed and more than 235 others injured Friday when gunmen opened fire on a group of protesters demonstrating against the presence of armed militia in Tripoli, state media reported.

Ismail Zitouny / Reuters

The clash marked the deadliest outbreak of violence in Libya's capital since the 2011 revolution that ousted Muammar Gaddafi.

Ismail Zitouny / Reuters

"The demonstration was peaceful and had been permitted by the Interior Ministry, and then the protesters were fired on when they entered [the militia's district]," Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said in a TV interview Friday.

Ismail Zitouny / Reuters

"The existence of weapons outside the army and police is dangerous," Zeidan said. "All armed militias need to leave Tripoli, without exception."

Ismail Zitouny / Reuters

The number of injured and dead is expected to rise overnight.

Hanan Salah @hananHRW

Scenes from morgue/Bou sleem hospital tonight- all other shots too graphic to share #Tripoli

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Hanan Salah

@hananHRW

Scenes from morgue/Bou sleem hospital tonight- all other shots too graphic to share #Tripoli

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