Libya's new government beefed up security in Tripoli on Saturday with extra roadblocks and house-to-house searches after fighting in the capital with supporters of Muammar Qadhafi raised fears of an insurgency. At most a few dozen pro-Qadhafi fighters appeared on Friday in only a few neighbourhoods of the city, which are known to be sympathetic to the deposed ruler.
But it was still the first sign of armed resistance to the National Transitional Council in Tripoli since its forces seized the city in August and ended Qadhafi's 42 years of one-man rule. Government forces mounted an increased number of roadblocks across the city, but especially in and around Abu Salim, an area of run-down apartment blocks. Pick-up trucks with heavy weapons were stationed inside the district, firing occasional volleys over the houses to make their presence felt. NTC foot soldiers searched the buildings, but there were no further clashes on Saturday.
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