Some wary of international interference and others hopeful it would curb the growing tensions, Tripoli residents reflected on the escalating conflict between Libyan National Army (LNA) and UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli on Friday.

"Reconciliation must be completed, and the indiscriminate shelling which causes bleeding every day must be ended," said a Tripoli local who added that the internal conflict had led to many leaving the country and others struggling with economic hardship.

Some locals demanded an end to international interference which they saw as foreign third parties pursuing their own "interests".

"I used to think that the international community would intervene to provide stability and safety, but the entire international community was working for its own interests," stated a Tripoli local who demanded conflicting parties to sit down at the negotiating table.

"I am afraid for the capital to be bombed, I am afraid for its children to be bombed, I am afraid for its women and its youth," added a Tripoli woman who also condemned the international community for its empty statements.

The statements came after a series of major developments in Libyan conflict over the last few days. On Monday, GNA forces took over the strategic al-Watiya airbase previously controlled by LNA, in the south-west of Tripoli. On Friday, Turkey which had intensified its support of GNA in January warned Khalifa Haftar's LNA of targeting its interest in Libya. On the same day, LNA’s spokesperson Major General Ahmed al-Mismari accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of supporting 'crime and terrorism' and intending to divide the African country.