Mass prison escape as armed clashes rock western Libya

A mass prison escape unfolded in western Libya after inmates fled a jail amid fierce clashes between rival armed groups. The violence killed at least three civilians, damaged property and heightened security concerns in the country's volatile western region.

The Tripoli-based government in Libya reported a mass prison break on Tuesday, staged during a fierce battle between rival armed militias in the cities of Zawiya and Surman.

TRIPOLI, Aug 4 - Libyan police said inmates staged a mass escape from a jail on Tuesday while armed clashes erupted nearby in two cities west of the capital Tripoli.