Rival Libyan groups deploy forces on outskirts of Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Libya

The outskirts of Libya's capital Tripoli has witnessed in recent days a military build-up of rival forces who are jostling for power.

One group is affiliated with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and the other is loyal to Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed by the Tobruk-based parliament as prime minister in March.

A military source in Dbeibeh's government told Anadolu Agency on Thursday that forces were deployed to the southern areas of Tripoli in anticipation of possible attacks by the forces loyal to Bashagha.

The source added that the aim of the military deployment in the southern neighborhoods of Tripoli is to protect the civilians.

On Wednesday, Bashagha sent a letter to Dbeibeh requesting him to hand power.

Observers say Bashagha's letter is a prelude before any possible military action by his forces which were deployed in several areas near Tripoli.

Oil-rich Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.

The situation has worsened since March when the Tobruk-based House of Representatives appointed a new government led by former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha.

Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, leader of the Tripoli-based National Unity Government, insists he will only cede authority to a government that comes through an "elected parliament," raising fears that Libya could slip back into a civil war.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar