Tripoli: A resident of a city in western Libya says at least two people were killed after gunmen ransacked a home in search of a regime figure once loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
Basem al-Tarhoni says angry residents in Tarhouna retaliated by torching the headquarters of some 100 fighters who helped topple the longtime leader from power.
Tarhouna was widely seen as a Gaddafi favorite, and its dominant tribe, also called Tarhouna, held many positions in the Libyan military. The city's residents are viewed with suspicion by former rebels.
Such clashes are a major challenge for Libya's new rulers.
The clashes took place on the same day security ministers announced a program for integrating former rebels in civil institutions. The ministers gave few details and offered no timetable for disarming fighters.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, December 26, 2011, 14:09