Militias in western Libya announce new federation to prevent infighting

TRIPOLI, Libya – Representatives of around 100 militias from western Libya have announced a new federation they say will prevent infighting and press the country's new leaders for greater reforms.

The new body includes brigades from many of the cities that saw the fiercest fighting during the eight-month civil war that ended with the death of longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi last October.

Col. Mokhtar Fernana, the group's leader, said Monday the body will act as an umbrella group that will allow the militias to speak with "one voice." He also accused the ruling National Transitional Council of being infiltrated by former Qaddafii supporters.

The federation's formation is another blow to the National Transitional Council's largely unsuccessful efforts to decommission revolutionary fighters or bring them under government control.