The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on all militias in the country to observe an immediate ceasefire and restore calm in southern Tripoli.

The call comes following clashes on Monday in southern parts of the capital between militias aligned to the internationally-recognised Presidency Council and Government of National Accord headed by Faiez Serraj, the Libyan Herald reported.

The death toll in the indiscriminate firing between the militias had already risen to five on Monday with another 31 injured.

UNSMIL said that it was following the clashes in and around Tripoli with grave concern and called on all parties to immediately cease all military action.

It added that it was concerned by the use of indiscriminate fire and heavy weapons in densely populated residential areas, endangering civilian lives and reminded all parties of their duty to protect civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

The UN further urged political aims not to be pursued through violence, before warning that the build-up of armed groups and hostile acts and rhetoric risk a wider military confrontation.