Libya's defence minister has been relieved from his post following deadly clashes in the capital Tripoli, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said in a televised news conference today.

"He previously submitted his resignation but we asked him to stay," Zeidan said, referring to when Defence Minister Mohammed al-Bargathi submitted his resignation last month.

"But after what happened yesterday, it has been decided that he will be relieved from his position. We will name a new minister as soon as possible."

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