Clashes between two armed militias broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli on 3 January.

Four people were reported dead and at least five injured in the gunfight between an armed group from Misrata, who tried to free prisoners held inside an old intelligence building by an armed group from Tripoli.

It is the latest clash in the country and is another sign of instability and a continuing security threat. Libya lacks a national army or police, but instead has various militias developed during the conflict in 2011 that ousted Muammar Gaddafi.

Libya’s new rulers, the National Transitional Council (NTC) is struggling to exert its authority as militia and tribal leaders are hesitant to contribute their forces towards a national army the NTC is trying to create.