Basem Al-Tarhoni says angry residents in Tarhouna retaliated by torching the headquarters of some 100 fighters who helped topple the longtime leader from power.

Tarhouna was widely seen as a Qaddafi favorite, and its dominant tribe, also called Tarhouna, held many positions in the Libyan military. The city’s residents are viewed with suspicion by former rebels.

Such clashes are a major challenge for Libya’s new rulers.

The clashes took place on the same day security ministers announced a program for integrating former rebels in civil institutions. The ministers gave few details and offered no timetable for disarming fighters.