Armed clashes erupted between rival militias in the center of the Libyan capital Tripoli early on Saturday, with the sound of gunfire echoing through the city. Supporters of eastern-based Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha have taken control of parts of Tripoli, while forces loyal to outgoing Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah are still holding on to large chunks of the city. Clouds of smoke floated over Tripoli Saturday afternoon as militias loyal to the country's two rival governments exchanged bouts of gunfire in the center of the city. Libya's Red Crescent Society is calling for a humanitarian corridor to be opened to the center of the capital to evacuate civilians that have been trapped between rival fighters. Libyan media is reporting injuries, while asking citizens to donate blood. Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV reported that incoming Prime Minister Bashagha, who was named earlier this year by the country's eastern-based parliament, asked outgoing Prime Minister Dbeibah to "leave the capital," while Dbeibah responded that he was "too busy dealing with the country's business." VOA could not independently confirm the quote. Libya analyst Mohammed Asmar told Arab media that Dbeibah's supporters were trying to prevent Bashagha's forces from occupying the capital and Bashagha was trying to force Dbeibah's militia forces to withdraw from the city. https://www.voanews.com/a/shootouts-blasts-erupt-in-libyan-capital-amid-political-standoff-/6719043.html » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com/ » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voanews » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews/ » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews