At least 38 people, mostly soldiers, were killed in 24 hours of fierce fighting between the Libyan army and Islamists in the eastern city of Benghazi, officials said on Sunday.
A military source said the clashes broke out on Saturday when Islamist groups launched an assault on the headquarters of a special unit near the city centre, causing casualties among forces defending their barracks.
In London, Britain was on Sunday advising its citizens against travelling to Libya and urged all those currently in the country to leave, although its embassy in Tripoli remains open.
“British nationals in Libya should leave now by commercial means.”