TRIPOLI: Heavy clashes erupted in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Friday, as armed groups aligned with the UN-backed government fought to fend off a major offensive by rival Islamist-leaning forces and militia fighters.

Loud explosions and heavy artillery fire could be heard across Tripoli from early morning. One commander reported that at least 22 men from groups aligned with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) had been killed and 29 wounded.

The GNA issued a statement blaming the attack on Khalifa Ghwell, the head of a self-declared, Islamistleaning `national salvation government` that was set up in 2014, and Salah Badi, an allied armed group leader.

Ghwell`s government has been largely displaced by the GNA, which arrived in Tripoli last year, but it continues draw on armed support, especially from the western city of Misrata.-Reuters