Doctor dies in Tripoli clashes

TRIPOLI, Apr 07 (Agencies): A doctor was killed and another was injured in clashes in Libyan capital between the UN-backed government and the eastern-based military forces, which is trying to take over the city.

"As a result of violent clashes in southern Tripoli, a doctor treating victims in Wadi al-Rabee area (southern Tripoli) was killed, while another civilian was injured," Osama Ali, spokesman of the Heath Ministry's Emergency Department, told Xinhua.

The spokesman demanded ceasefire in order to allow emergency teams to reach civilians trapped in conflict areas.

Eight Tunisian nationals were trapped inside a clinic in the area, and another group were trapped in a farm, Ali added.

The state-owned General National Company said the clashes damaged power lines in southern Tripoli and caused a blackout in the area.

The military forces, led by General Khalifa Haftar, launched a military operation on Thursday to take over western Libya, particularly Tripoli, where the UN-backed government is based.

Libya is politically divided between a UN-backed government and a parallel administration allied to Khalifa Haftar. The country has been struggling to make a transition amid insecurity and chaos since the fall of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Meanwhile, international powers have begun evacuating personnel from Libya amid a worsening security situation.

US Africa Command said it had relocated an unspecified contingent of US forces, while India said it had evacuated peacekeepers to Tunisia.

Rebel forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar have advanced from the east with the aim of taking the capital, Tripoli.

The UN-backed prime minister has accused him of attempting a coup and says rebels will be met with force.

Libya has been torn by violence and political instability since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.