TRIPOLI, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Thursday said that armed groups have been using force and intimidating public and private institutions in the capital Tripoli recently with the aim of getting access to financial resources.

The UNSMIL said that it has observed over the last several days "the illegal use of force and intimidation against private and public institutions in Tripoli, notably Aman Bank al-Siyahia Branch and the Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company (LAFICO)."

"The assaults aimed to seize control of these institutions and gain privileged access to financial resources," the mission said in a statement.

Gunmen intimidated and even physically assaulted staff and prevented them from operating effectively, all under the guise of providing security or unsubstantiated authority, the statement said.

The mission demanded the gunmen to immediately cease the interference with the livelihood of Libyans, warning that the perpetrators must face criminal prosecution.

"We call on the Government of National Accord to swiftly implement the new Tripoli Security Arrangements that replace armed groups with regular, disciplined security forces," the statement said.

Libya has been suffering political division and insecurity ever since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Authorities struggle to impose their control in the country, as many armed groups operate independently.