TRIPOLI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Defense Ministry on Monday said clashes that broke out in the capital Tripoli earlier Monday between rival armed groups have ended.
"The Ministry of Defense has followed up, over the past several hours, sudden ground movements in some parts of the capital, a clear violation of the approved calming arrangements and security understandings," the Ministry said in a statement.
"Immediately upon detecting those movements, the Ministry interfered on the ground through its official channels, and managed to control the situation and reimpose the truce, which eventually led to the withdrawal of the rival elements and return to their previous positions," the statement said.
The Ministry warned against "repeating such violations" and reaffirmed its willingness to take necessary procedures to guarantee security.
According to residents, clashes erupted earlier Monday between rival armed groups in parts of Tripoli, sparking panic among the civilians. No casualties have been reported so far.
Tripoli witnessed violent clashes last month between forces allied with the Government of National Unity and the Stability Support Apparatus, a powerful armed faction that controlled part of Tripoli.
Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by insecurity and political instability. ■
