TRIPOLI, Libya, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The Libyan government said rival militias were still fighting on the outskirts of Tripoli Saturday.
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan publicly urged the combatants who were battling in the suburb of Tajoura to "exercise maximum restraint" and urged outsiders to stay away in order to prevent the fighting from escalating.
The BBC said militias based in Tajoura began fighting Friday against a rival force that moved into the area from Misrata. Tajoura is considered a gateway to the capital city.
The clashes began Friday after protesters outside the Misrata force's headquarters were fired on while demanding the militia pull out of Tripoli. At least 43 people were killed in clashes Friday, authorities said.
The BBC said checkpoints were thrown up around Tripoli Saturday as part of heightened security for the many funerals of those killed the previous day.
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