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General Strike in Libya's Capital Over Militia Violence


Most businesses and schools in Libya's capital are closed for a three day strike to protest deadly violence by militias in Tripoli.

Streets in the capital are deserted and residents have set up roadblocks to protect their neighborhoods from more possible violence.

On Friday, militiamen opened fire on protesters who were demanding the group leave Tripoli. At least 43 people were killed and more than 450 were wounded.

At least one more person was killed Saturday when fresh clashes erupted in Libya's capital as soldiers and militias supporting the government tried to restore peace.

Libyan state television has broadcast a warning for militiamen to lay down their arms and leave Libya's security to the government. Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has also urged militiamen to stay out of the capital.

The Libyan National Congress, or interim parliament, moved to dissolve of a pro-government militia known as the Revolutionary Operations Bureau, which was responsible for the brief kidnapping of Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan last month.

Also Sunday, Libyan security officials said militiamen had kidnapped Deputy Intelligence Chief Mustapha Nouha near Tripoli's airport.



The militias are holdovers from the 2011 uprising that ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi and are a powerful force in the North African country.

The U.S. Department of State condemned the violence and urged restraint, saying there was "no place for this kind of violence in the new Libya."
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