Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- The alleys and archways along Rashid Street in central Tripoli were plunged in darkness this weekend, as the Libyan capital struggled to cope with widespread shortages of electricity. After sunset, the only light in one corner cafe came from two candles. Their flickering glow barely lit the faces of men seated at a handful of tables, where they were breaking their Ramadan fast. Nearby, residents trudged down the center of empty streets enveloped in darkness. Some men played music from parked cars. Others sat silently in doorways, their presence only marked by the glow of a cigarette butt.
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Government blames NATO, rebels
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Some Tripoli residents no longer get water pumped to their apartments
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Libyan official denounces rebel seizure of oil tanker
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There is international blockade of Libyan airports, seaports
Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli
The rapid deterioration of power supplies in @placeholder over the past two weeks has come as a shock to many Libyans.
Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli
"The @placeholder power cuts are caused by NATO and rebel attacks on power stations," announced a television presenter on Thursday.
Libya
Libyan
Libyan
Libyan
In an e-mail to CNN, NATO military spokesman denied accusations that the alliance targeted @placeholder electrical power lines.