Libyan militiamen attempted to storm the office of the prime minister in the capital, Tripoli, triggering a gunbattle that left one person dead and four injured.

A government spokesman says a small group of militiamen descended on the office Tuesday morning in a protest to demand payment for former anti-Gadhafi fighters.

The protest later swelled to about 200 people, including militiamen from the western mountains, and about 50 trucks mounted with weapons.

The spokesman says some of the rebels entered the building and fired from inside, while others shot at the compound itself.

A security official says 14 protesters were arrested.

Libya's transitional government has offered salaries to former militiamen who fought in last year's revolt to oust long-time Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.