Libya clashes leave 27 people dead in capital Tripoli

Intense fighting between rival military factions in Libya’s capital Tripoli has reportedly killed 27 people.

Armed factions battled in several districts overnight and into Tuesday morning in the city's worst violence this year.

However, the military commander at the center of clashes between rival militias in the Libyan capital has been released.

The detention of Mahmoud Hamza, the commander of the 444 Brigade, had triggered the violence in Tripoli.

He was released on Tuesday evening by the Special Deterrence Force, according to sources cited in a Reuters report. 

The 444 Brigade and the Special Deterrence Force both backed the interim Government of National Accord (GNA) during brief battles last year.

SS