Libya appeals for weapons to battle militia

Libya's internationally recognised government has appealed for weapons to combat militias who seized parts of the oil-rich nation.

The appeal was made at an emergency meeting of the Arab League.

The internationally recognised government and the parliament elected in June have been based in the remote east since an Islamist-backed militia coalition; Fajr Libya seized Tripoli last year.

Fajr Libya also controls third city Misrata, while much of second city Benghazi is also in the hands of militias.

More than three years after dictator, Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a Nato-backed revolt, Libya is awash with weapons and powerful militias, and it has rival governments and parliaments. 

NEWS24