Libya crisis worsens

Libya’s toothless outgoing government admitted on Monday from its safe refuge in the east of the country that it has in effect lost control of Tripoli to armed militia.

The interim government led by prime minister Abdullah al-Thani, which resigned last week, said armed groups, mostly Islamist militia, were in control of ministries and blocking access to government workers.

“Ministry and state offices in Tripoli have been occupied by armed militias who are preventing government workers from entering and are threatening their superiors,” the government said in a statement.

It said the interim government was in contact with officials and “trying to ensure the continuity of services from afar.”

Libya has been sliding into chaos since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed three years ago, with interim authorities confronting powerful militias which fought to oust the veteran dictator.