World Bulletin/News Desk

The U.S. and four of its western allies have strongly condemned the ongoing violence ravaging Libya and repeated calls for an immediate end to hostilities in the country.

In a joint statement on Saturday, the U.S., France, Italy, Germany and the U.K. sharply condemned the crimes of Ansar al-Sharia, a militant group, and voiced concern over retired Libyan General Khalifa Haftar’s attacks in Benghazi.

The group said: “We consider that Libya’s security challenges and the fight against terrorist organizations can only be sustainably addressed by regular armed forces under the control of a central authority which is accountable to a democratic and inclusive parliament."

The nations also warned that Libya’s long-term stability is at risk if "terror groups" use the country as a safe haven, and said they stand ready to issue sanctions against “those who threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya or obstruct or undermine the political process.”

At least 18 people were killed on Friday and numerous others injured in fresh clashes in Libya’s second city, Benghazi, between forces loyal to Haftar and militias.

Nearly 70 people have been killed in violence that has been ongoing in the city since Wednesday, Libyan health officials have told Anadolu Agency.

Libya has been dogged by instability since former dictator Muammar Gaddafi's 2011 ouster and death, with several militias who helped overthrow the strongman holding onto their weapons.