In the most extensive security operation in the capital since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s governing National Transitional Council (NTC) has tightened security in Tripoli as it seeks to impose control over militias in the capital.

The NTC has encouraged militias to either leave the city or integrate into official military or law enforcement bodies, but has now set a deadline of 20 December for the militias to leave the city or hand over their weapons.

The city’s 11 military councils, which are responsible for police and security have begun to establish roadblocks and checkpoints in parts of the city, interim prime minister, Abdurraheem Elkeib said in a 6 December statement, shortly after holding emergency talks with Tripoli Local Council on the issue of ongoing militia activity in Tripoli.

“Some streets face total closure. Others will prevent the movement of any armed vehicles except those of the interior and defence ministries,” says the statement.

State-backed demonstrations in support of the initiative are expected to be held daily in Tripoli until the 20 December deadline.

“On this day [20 December], if militias have not left the city, the public of Tripoli and Libyan government will close the whole city to traffic,” says the statement.