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"Between two to four guards were killed and many others arewounded," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Former rebels angry over unpaid stipends opened fire on theheadquarters of the interim government after surrounding thebuilding, officials said. "Many men encircled the building and opened fire against it withweapons including anti-aircraft cannons," a government employeesaid. "Some men entered the premises and fired from inside," he said,adding that chaotic scenes unfolded as people scrambled for cover. Several trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns surrounded thebuilding in central Tripoli, blocking traffic, witnesses said. Residents in the area reported hearing heavy exchanges of gunfire. Others reported military vehicles traveling down the airport roadtowards the city centre where the headquarters are. Government spokesman Nasser al-Manaa said Defence Minister OsamaJuili was negotiating with the fighters, who "came in protest over(unpaid) stipends." Last month, citing widespread fraud, Libyan authorities paused thepayment of cash bonuses to rebels who had fought against MoamerKadhafi's regime in 2011. Ex-fighters reacted negatively to the decision. On April 10, they opened fire against the government complex in asmaller attack that authorities brushed off as a "scare tactic." Security in the building has since then been beefed up with armedguards stationed all around the complex which holds the offices ofPrime Minister Abdel Rahim al-Kib. Analysts and rights group have repeatedly warned that the interimgovernment must disarm militias who pose one of the biggestchallenges to the North African nation's transition to democracy. Kib's cabinet has come under attack in recent weeks over itsfailure to take tough decisions such as stripping former rebelsfrom their prized weapons. Libya's nascent armed forces and the interior ministry have soughtto incorporate anti-Kadhafi fighters into their ranks but rogueelements continue to defy the new authorities. Seventy thousand ex-fighters are now under interior ministrycommand, a Libyan official said on April 24. They will "help the ministry fight against crime, protect strategicsites, embassies and diplomatic missions," said Omar al-Khadrawi,deputy interior minister. Tuesday's violence came as Libyans across the country registered tovote in the first national poll in more than four decades. Libyansare expected to vote for a constituent assembly in June. I am an expert from bedroomlightfixture.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Capacitance Level Transmitter Manufacturer , Energy Efficiency Light Bulb Manufacturer, Led Outdoor String Lights,and more.
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