Libya clashes kill scores in al-Kufra Published duration 21 February 2012

Scores have been killed and injured in clashes between two rival ethnic groups in Libya's remote south-eastern area, according to local reports.

Rockets, mortars and gunfire have rocked residential areas in the desert town of al-Kufra for the past 24 hours, aid workers say.

Fighting first broke out between the Zwai and the Tebu groups 10 days ago.

The new government is struggling to rein in armed groups jostling for power after the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi.

The Arab Zawi people are battling with the African Tebu ethnic group in al-Kufra.

The Tebu complained of discrimination during the Gaddafi era.

Army chief Yousef al-Mangoush told Reuters a ceasefire was agreed on Sunday - but clashes intensified on Monday.

He said government troops would be sent in if fighting does not stop in al-Kufra, which is about 2,000km (1,250 miles) from the capital Tripoli.