In a move that came days before elections are scheduled to be held in the country next 24 December, with heavily armed people on the streets taking control of the southern areas of Libya since this morning.

Calling on all parties to exercise restraint, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya expressed its concern at the ongoing security developments in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Today's mission statement states: "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNMISET) expressed its concern at the ongoing security developments in Tripoli. These movements of forces belonging to different groups create tension and reinforce the risk of clashes that may turn into conflict. "

"Any differences on political or military issues need to be resolved through dialogue, particularly at this stage, where the country is going through a difficult and complex electoral process that is expected to lead to a peaceful transition."

She continued: "Current developments in Tripoli are not in line with ongoing efforts to maintain stability and create security and political conditions conducive to peaceful, inclusive, free, fair and credible elections. It would also undermine Libya's security gains so far, which have earned the confidence of senior officials from around the world and enabled them to come to Tripoli to participate in the successful Stability Support Conference in Libya in October. "

The United Nations mission called on "all Libyan actors to exercise restraint at this delicate stage and to work together to create a security and political environment that will preserve Libya's progress and enable peaceful elections and a successful transition."

The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Libya, Stephanie Williams, was currently working with the parties concerned in the country to that end.

Days ago, militias known as the "Samoud Brigade," operating in the capital Tripoli, reportedly promised electoral merit: "There will be no elections, and we will shut down all institutions."