TRIPOLI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday expressed concern over the clashes that erupted a day earlier between rival armed groups in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation or retaliation.

In a statement, the mission condemned the use of violence to settle disputes "as it gravely endangers civilians and further undermines the fragile security situation," calling for those responsible for the clashes to be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the UNSMIL attributed the cause of the disturbance to "the prolonged political crisis and eroded institutional legitimacy," noting that "Libya needs to prioritize elections to establish legitimate governing bodies capable of extending the state's authority and upholding the rule of law," the statement said.

On Thursday, witnesses reported heavy gunfire in different parts of Tripoli and military mobilization on the streets. So far, no casualties due to the clashes have been reported.

Ever since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos. Enditem

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