Official: Libya's deputy intelligence chief released day after being abducted by gunmen

This image made from video shows a protester holding up spent ammunition in Tripoli, Libya after militiamen attacked peaceful protesters demanding the disbanding of the country's rampant armed groups on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, killing tens of people as they opened fire on the march with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. (AP Photo via AP video) (The Associated Press)

This image made from video shows an injured protester being carried away from the scene in Tripoli, Libya after militiamen attacked peaceful protesters demanding the disbanding of the country's rampant armed groups on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, killing tens of people as they opened fire on the march with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. (AP Photo via AP video) (The Associated Press)

TRIPOLI, Libya – A Libyan security official says the country's deputy intelligence chief has been released, a day after he was abducted by gunmen as he was leaving the airport in the capital, Tripoli.

The abduction came against a backdrop of days of deadly clashes in the city.

It was unclear who had abducted the intelligence deputy, Mustafa Nouh, whose family is originally from Misrata, a former rebel stronghold.

The security official said Nouh was released on Monday but gave no further details. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Public anger had been directed at Misrata militias who developed a strong presence in Tripoli following the fall of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Weekend clashes by rival militias and violence had killed nearly 50 people in Tripoli.