The United Nations has transferred dozens of its staff from Libya to Italy amid deteriorating security situation in the North African country.

“The mission will continue to operate with a reduced number,” Samir Ghattas, a spokesman for the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), said on Thursday, adding that the staff “will return if the security situation improves.”

"The reduction in presence is due to the prevailing security conditions in the country," he said, adding, "It was taken solely out of concerns for the safety and security of the staff and after a careful consideration of the security situation on the ground in the past few months."

Libya has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups, who played a key role in the 2011 popular uprising that toppled former ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

The rebels refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.