General strike in Tripoli begins amid militia clashes

A general strike in Tripoli will go on as part of a protest over attempts by rival militias to exert control over the Libyan capital, a city official said. Streets were largely deserted throughout Tripoli Sunday and roadblocks were found on streets manned by residents who wanted to prevent violence in their neighborhoods. The head of Tripoli's city council said the general strike would last three days, and Prime Minister Ali Zidan this weekend warned militia units battling on the outskirts of town to stay away. Fighting began in a strategic Tripoli suburb Friday when fighters from a militia based in Misrata tried to enter the capital after a deadly protest outside the group's Tripoli offices, Voice of America said. At least 43 people were killed and fighting broke out when local militias blocked the approach of the Misrata cadre. Friday's protest was led by residents of the city's Gharghour neighborhood who demanded the Misrata militia depart and allow Libyan national police to take over security in the area.