TRIPOLI, Libya: Libya's former prime minister Khalifa Ghweil was wounded in heavy fighting in the capital Tripoli Wednesday but his injuries are not life threatening, sources close to him said.

Militia loyal to the ex-premier exchanged artillery fire with forces of the U.N.-backed government for several hours before withdrawing from their headquarters in the Guest Palace, a complex of luxury villas in the city center.

It was the third straight day of clashes between the two sides.

Libya has experienced years of violence and lawlessness since the NATO-backed ouster of longtime dictator Moammer Gadhafi in 2011, with rival parliaments and governments vying for influence and militias fighting over territory and the country's vast oil wealth.

Since taking power from Ghweil's administration in March 2016, the Government of National Accord has secured the backing of powerful militias in the capital, but some districts remain outside its control.

Ghweil refuses to recognize the GNA's authority.