Libya says two guards killed in attack on govt HQ

TRIPOLI (AFP) - Former Libyan rebels attacked the interim government's headquarters in Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least two people and wounding many more, an interior ministry official said.

"Between two to four guards were killed and many others are wounded," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Former rebels angry over unpaid stipends opened fire on the headquarters of the interim government after surrounding the building, officials said.

"Many men encircled the building and opened fire against it with weapons including anti-aircraft cannons," a government employee said.

"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 the building in central Tripoli, blocking traffic, witnesses said.

Residents in the area reported hearing heavy exchanges of gunfire.

Others reported military vehicles travelling down the airport road towards the city centre where the headquarters are.

Government spokesman Nasser al-Manaa said Defence Minister Osama Juili was negotiating with the fighters, who "came in protest over (unpaid) stipends."

Last month, citing widespread fraud, Libyan authorities paused the payment of cash bonuses to rebels who had fought against Moamer Kadhafi's regime in 2011.