TRIPOLI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern Saturday over continued troop and heavy weapons buildup around the capital Tripoli, warning that the "dangerous development" poses "potential harm" to civilians.
Noting that ongoing talks on security arrangements in Tripoli since June have made progress, UNSMIL in a statement urged "all parties to continue dialogue to resolve this matter as soon as possible, and exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalating tensions or endangering civilians."
The most recent buildup is "causing widespread fear among Tripoli's population," it said, warning that any use of force could lead to violent clashes in the densely-populated city.
It pledged continued support for mediation efforts to sustain a truce in Libya announced in May.
The statement came amid rising security tensions around Tripoli since Wednesday evening, when limited clashes reportedly erupted in some areas of the capital.
Following the clashes, forces loyal to the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) were reportedly advancing from Misurata, 200 km east of Tripoli, and from Gharyan, 100 km south, towards the capital.
However, according to a report on Saturday by news website The Libya Update, Libyan authorities said most of the ongoing buildup is "part of normal military activity."
Libya has remained divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is split between rival administrations: the GNU in Tripoli and an eastern-based government backed by the Libyan National Army (LNA) under commander Khalifa Haftar. The Libyan Army, part of the country's broader military forces, is referred to in contrast to the LNA, which retains its separate identity.
Tripoli has seen recurrent outbreaks of violence recently, including major clashes in mid-May between forces loyal to the GNU and the Stability Support Apparatus, a heavily-armed faction with influence in the capital. Days after the deadly clashes, UNSMIL announced the establishment of a truce committee jointly with the country's Presidency Council, which serves as the supreme commander of the Libyan Army. ■