TRIPOLI, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Sunday condemned the killing of a photographer of the Associated Press, during the recent clashes in the south of the capital Tripoli.

"UNSMIL strongly condemns the killing of civilians in the Tripoli clashes, including the photojournalist Mohamed Ben Khalifa, whose death is sadly only the latest in the repeated attacks against Libya's journalists," the mission said.

"The protection of civilians and the media remains paramount. UNSMIL reaffirms its commitment to pushing for all perpetrators to be held fully accountable. Direct and indirect attacks against civilians can constitute war crimes," it added.

Khalifa, 36, was killed on Saturday while covering the clashes in southern Tripoli between government forces and an armed group.

The clashes broke out a few days ago between the government forces and the Seventh Brigade, a militia from the nearby city of Tarhuna.

The Ministry of Health said the fighting so far has killed 16 people and injured more than 60 others.

Libya has been plagued with escalating violence and political division ever since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. Enditem

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