Clashes continue in Libyan capital

Fierce clashes continued Sunday in Libya's capital Tripoli as Islamist fighters launched assaults on local militiamen.

Heavy exchange of artillery and rocket-propelled grenades were seen on the coastal road linking Tripoli and Libya's western town of Zawiya, Xinhua reported.

The Islamist rebel group Libya Dawn is trying to seize some strongholds and key crossroads which were occupied by the local militia group Warshefana.

According to officials, despite the combat zone slowly shifting to suburban areas, the security situation in the capital city has remained rigorous.

The recent conflict in Libya between Islamist armed groups and pro-secular militias has forced thousands of people to flee their homes.