Watch: Rival militias clash in Tripoli after reported killing of Libya's SSA chief
"Senior security sources confirmed that al-Kikli was killed at a headquarters affiliated with the 444th Combat Brigade in the Tripoli Military Zone," quoted the Libyan Express.GNU-affiliated media reported early Tuesday that the defence ministry had regained full control of Abu Salim, where the SSA was headquartered.GOVERNMENT ISSUES SAFETY ALERT, SCHOOLS SHUTThe Stability Support Apparatus, headed by al-Kikli, falls under the jurisdiction of the Presidential Council that was established in 2021 under a United Nations-sponsored peace process. The existing unity government, also referred to as the Government of National Unity (GNU), is led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.advertisementAs a reaction to the violence, the GNU's interior ministry released a message asking people to stay indoors. "For their own protection," it advised, citizens are not to venture outdoors.Meanwhile, the University of Tripoli, cancelled all classes, exams, and administrative activities at its campuses until further notice. The announcement was made public via a Facebook post by the leadership of the university.UN CALLS FOR CALM AMID GROWING TENSIONSThe United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged all groups involved in the fighting to stop immediately and restore calm in Tripoli. The UN also reminded fighters of their duty to protect innocent civilians.
"Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes," the statement said firmly.Libya has been plagued into instability since 2011, when a rebellion backed by NATO led to the fall of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The country has since been split between rival factions in the east and the west. While in 2020 a ceasefire was established, attempts to create permanent peace have been largely unsuccessful.advertisementIts capital, Tripoli, is also a conflict hotbed. There are several groups of armed forces who frequently struggle for power, influence, and dominance over the riches of Libya - particularly its oil resources.ALSO READ: Sheikh Hasina's Awami League officially banned as Bangladesh revises terror law
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