Libyan PM rejects talks with armed Islamist group

Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni has ruled out any negotiations with the Libya Dawn Islamist armed alliance, saying the government will launch new assaults to wipe it out.

Sky News Arabia TV reported Monday that al-Thinni accused Libya Dawn of committing crimes against humanity, adding the armed group does not represent the Libyan people, according to Xinhua.

"We do not negotiate with terrorists," al-Thinni said. "We have to defend the Libyan people's choice."

Since July, Tripoli has witnessed bloody clashes between secular-leaning militia and Libya Dawn militants. The conflict has killed over 200 people and displaced thousands of others.

Libya Dawn fighters are now in control of large parts of the capital city and are advancing westward to Wershfana, where they met strong resistance.

On the recent military situation, al-Thinni said that there were plans "to take out the armed formations in Tripoli within two weeks".

He urged citizens to rise up against Islamist militants.

Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence since the 2011 turmoil, which toppled its former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Its political transition has since been mired in endless fights between Islamist and secular factions.