Libya crisis leaves almost 100 dead as situation worsens

Almost 100 hundred people have been killed in a week as rival militia groups struggle for power in Libya.

A picture taken on July 24, 2014 shows smoke billowing from an area near Tripoli's international airport during fighting between rival factions around the capital's airport. (File: AAP)

At least 97 people have been killed in fighting between rival militia groups battling for control of Tripoli's main airport over the past week.

The United States last week evacuated its embassy staff, amid fears of a terror attack. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) also continues to warn Australian's not to travel to Libya.

Research fellow at the New America Foundation Barak Barfi says the government of Libya is in disarray, leaving rival militias to tussle for power.

“We’re seeing the creation of a security vacuum, being filled by radical Islamic extremists who are trying to link up with al Qaeda affiliates in Algeria and Mali. So this is the biggest concern,” he said.

 

Mr Barfi says some of the groups now fighting, worked together to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

However, there is also heavy fighting between forces loyal to Gaddafi against Islamist groups playing out in places like Tripoli and Benghazi.

“Basically it’s the people who profited from the fall of Gaddafi, against the people who lost out,” he said.