Forty-seven people have been killed in clashes between rival militias fighting for control of the international airport in Libya's capital, Tripoli, government officials said today.

The health ministry said on its website that 120 other people were injured in the fighting and there may be further casualties.

The battle over the airport is being waged by a powerful militia from the western city of Zintan, which controls the facility, and Islamist-led militias, including fighters from Misrata, east of Tripoli.

The clashes resumed yesterday after ceasefire efforts failed.

Libya is going through one of its worst spasms of violence since the 2011 ousting of long-time dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Rival militias have forced a week-long closure of petrol stations and government offices.

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