Rival Libyan militia groups have fought a gun battle in the Tariq al-Shat district in the capital city of Tripoli on 1 February.

The fighting was between militiamen from the cities of Misrata and Zintan, an interior ministry official told international press. The gun battle took place close to the Corinthia Bab al-Africa and Marriott hotels, according to reports from Tripoli.

“Misrata controls a police academy building up the road and they are fighting with Zintan. We do not know why they are fighting,” Naji Awad from Libya’s interior ministry Naji Awad told international press.

The National Transitional Council (NTC), the interim governing authority in Libya, has warned that the country could descend into another civil war if the militias are not brought under control.