UN Mission calls for immediate de-escalation in Tripoli, warns against violence

Libya Observer

10-07-2025

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for an immediate de-escalation and an end to military mobilizations in the capital, Tripoli, and its surrounding areas. In a statement released Wednesday evening, the mission expressed concern over persistent reports of troop build-ups and warned of the risk of renewed clashes.
UNSMIL urged all parties to refrain from the use of force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions. The mission also called for the immediate withdrawal of forces recently deployed in Tripoli.
It stressed that any attacks against civilians would hold the perpetrators legally accountable. The mission reaffirmed it is continuing its efforts to de-escalate the situation and called on all parties to engage in these efforts in good faith.
The mission also emphasized the urgent need to implement the security arrangements developed by the Joint Committees on the Ceasefire and Security Arrangements. It reiterated that 'dialogue – not violence – is the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability in Tripoli and across Libya.'
This comes amid growing tensions and heavy military mobilizations in several areas in eastern and western Tripoli. There is widespread speculation about the potential outbreak of large-scale clashes at any moment between forces affiliated with the government and opposing groups—most notably the Special Deterrence Force and other factions from Al-Zawiya, primarily composed of armed groups recently ordered to disband. Arrest warrants have also been issued for some of their members by the Office of the Attorney General. Tags: UNSMIL clashes in tripoli Ceasefire