Libya unity government slams creation of rival 'national guard'
Libya's UN-backed unity government on Sunday slammed the creation by armed groups of a national guard rival to its own presidential guard in the capital Tripoli. The Government of National Accord said it considered the creation of the "Libyan National Guard" to be "an attempt to form a parallel body to the Presidential Guard" it has formed.
"These groups and those supporting it are considered to be outlaws," the GNA said in a statement.
"And they will be treated as such by the security and judiciary bodies."
The GNA warned that the formation of a rival guard was an attempt "to lead the capital into bloody armed conflict".
On Thursday, armed groups mostly from the western city of Misrata, announced the creation of the "Libyan National Guard" to continue the fight against the Islamic State jihadist group, as well as to secure state institutions and diplomatic missions.
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