Armed clashes in Libyan capital leave six dead after reported killing of faction leader
Clashes between rival armed groups left at least six people dead in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Monday night, with reports saying the leader of an armed faction was among those killed. 'Six bodies have been retrieved from the sites of clashes around Abu Salim,' the Emergency Medicine and Support Centre said on Tuesday morning, AFP reported. Abu Salim is a densely populated neighbourhood of south Tripoli that is home to the Support and Stability Apparatus, an armed group. Libyan television channel Al Ahrar and news site Al Wasat reported that the group's leader Abdelghani Al Kikli – known as Ghaniwa – had been killed. The reports said he was shot at a base of the rival 444 Brigade while attending a meeting for mediation between the two groups. AFP reported heavy arms fire and explosions in several areas of Tripoli overnight, while residents told Reuters that gunfire echoed around the city. Authorities urged people to stay indoors. Local media said the clashes broke out in the southern suburbs between armed groups from Tripoli and rivals from Misurata, a port city 200km east of the capital. Libya is struggling to recover from years of unrest since a 2011 uprising that led to the fall and death of dictator Muammar Qaddafi. The country is currently divided between a UN-recognised government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east. Despite relative calm in recent years, clashes periodically break out between armed groups vying for territory. In August 2023, 55 people were killed in fighting between two factions in Tripoli. Several districts of the capital and its suburbs announced that schools would be closed on Tuesday until further notice. The Interior Ministry in Tripoli urged 'all citizens to stay at home for their safety'. Drivers were heard speeding and honking horns in the streets overnight. 'I heard heavy gunfire and I saw red lights in the sky,' one resident told Reuters. By Tuesday morning, authorities said the fighting had been brought under control. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah thanked government forces 'for restoring security and asserting the state's authority in the capital'. 'What was accomplished today shows that official institutions are capable of protecting the homeland and preserving the dignity of its citizens,' he said in a post on X. Mr Dbeibah hailed the actions of security forces as a 'decisive step' in the fight against 'irregular' armed factions. The UN Support Mission in Libya called for calm. 'UNSMIL is alarmed by the unfolding security situation in Tripoli, with intense fighting with heavy weaponry in densely populated civilian areas,' it said on X. It urged 'all parties to immediately cease fighting', warning that 'attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes'. 'UNSMIL fully supports the efforts of elders and community leaders to de-escalate the situation,' it added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Libyans in Benghazi relay frustrations about the political and security situation to United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), propose solutions
DSRSG Stephanie Koury concluded on Thursday a three-day visit to Benghazi as part of the UNSMIL's consultations with various stakeholders on the outcomes of the Advisory Committee and the options proposed for the way forward. She conducted a series of meetings including with political parties, youth, women, civil society representatives, people with disabilities, elders and notables from Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Almarj, Shahat, and Albaidha, and finally with the head and members of Benghazi municipal council. In all her engagements, DSRSG Koury briefed interlocutors on the work of the Advisory Committee and the recommendations they have presented to the Mission, which include: Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously with adjustments to contentious issues in the current electoral laws; Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by adopting a permanent constitution, and then by conducting presidential elections; Adopting a permanent constitution before national elections; or Establishing a political dialogue committee, according to article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, to temporarily replace all institutions, finalize electoral laws and select a temporary government. They also discussed the preconditions in the Advisory Committee Report, including restructuring of the High National Electoral Commission, securing independent funding and agreeing on an electoral roadmap and one government. Many participants expressed appreciation for the work of the Advisory Committee, and demanded an urgent action to address the current political stalemate and identify a Libyan-owned solution with no further delay. In all meetings, they expressed their frustration with the prolonged political stalemate, insecurity, and economic hardship, demanding an end to the political divisions including the two governments through a peaceful Libyan-owned solution. They also criticized foreign interference, observing that member states interference in Libyan affairs has complicated reaching any solution. While the participants believe that elections will be the starting point for resolving the legitimacy crisis, the majority cited support for the fourth option, reflecting their mistrust in the current leaders. 'The current institutions seek to preserve the status quo,' said one leading figure. These actors don't want a solution.' Some voiced support for first establishing a permanent constitution, then going for elections, emphasizing the importance of stability and ensuring safeguards or limitations on power by elected officials. Interlocutors also emphasized the importance to ensure a meaningful inclusive of civil society, youth and women representation, elders, and people with disabilities and move beyond the familiar figures and institutions to form a united government and stabilize the country. Participants with disabilities also emphasized the need for special measures to ensure their inclusion in the legislative chambers, similar to what is provided to components or women. The participants also discussed the current Libya's security situation, expressing upset at recent clashes in Tripoli, highlighting the need to overcome security obstacles, bring an end to militias and build one professional army and police. They also emphasized the need for solidarity among Libyans and the interconnectedness of the people and regions of Libya. One participant observed, 'while the clashes recently happened in Tripoli, the impacts are felt by Libyans throughout the country'. The representatives of political parties and associations in Benghazi specifically stressed the need for Libyans to agree through dialogue on fundamental elements related to state building and long-lasting stability as well as unifying and building state institutions, including military and security, and agreeing on a path to elections. They emphasized the need for credible national and international guarantees to protect any future political settlement reached by Libyans, stressing the criticality of having oversight mechanisms and clear timeframes and for the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on those who attempt to obstruct or derail the political process. DSRSG Koury listened to their views on the political options and also their concerns. She emphasized the need to come to an end to ongoing transitions, emphasizing it is the time for strengthening state institutions and getting to a permanent constitution and allow the Libyan people to choose their leaders and enjoy the richness of their homeland. She also underlined the Mission's efforts to promote stability in the capital and prevent further outbreak of clashes so as to protect civilians and ensure a conducive environment for any inclusive political process. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The National
4 days ago
- The National
Gaza 'freedom flotilla' rescues four migrants at sea
A group of activists heading for Gaza on a "freedom flotilla" say they have rescued four migrants at sea in an encounter with the Libyan coastguard. The yacht Madleen, whose crew includes climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, set off from an Italian port four days ago in a symbolic bid to break Israel 's blockade of the territory. Sailing in the Mediterranean on Thursday, the ship was diverted by a mayday signal from an EU border patrol drone, leading it to a deflating vessel in Egypt 's search and rescue zone, organisers said. They said 30 to 40 people were on board. As the Madleen drew closer, its crew saw a Libyan coastguard vessel approach and four people jump into the water, according to a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. It said the Madleen's crew rescued the four people, who were identified as refugees from Sudan. "People would rather throw themselves into the sea than be taken to Libya," said French politician Rima Hassan, who is on the voyage. A statement from the organisers said: "The individuals rescued had fled violence and persecution in Sudan, only to face further violence, detention and torture in Libya." They are appealing to Greece, Italy or Malta to take the people to safety. Ms Hassan is a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent. She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to the war in Gaza. Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham is also on board. A previous voyage to Gaza ended in May when a different ship was hit by drones, which Freedom Flotilla organisers blamed on Israel. The yacht Madleen is named after a Gazan fisherwoman, according to the organisation, which says the flotilla is "carrying a cargo of hope and humanitarian aid". Israel blockaded all aid to Gaza for 11 weeks beginning in March. A limited amount of aid began entering last month, with food now being distributed by a private US foundation whose operations have been marred by violence. The rate of young children suffering from acute malnutrition in Gaza has nearly tripled since the ceasefire collapsed in March, according to data released by the UN on Thursday. It said about 3,000 children screened in the second half of May were affected. That was almost three times the rate in February, when a pause in fighting allowed for hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza each day. The Israeli army said on Thursday that Hamas was "doing everything in its power to sabotage" aid deliveries by a new US foundation. It released what it said was a recording of a Gaza resident blaming Hamas for gunfire near the aid sites. "They want to foil the plan so that the aid will go to them," the army quoted the person as saying.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
US judge schedules Lockerbie bombing suspect's trial for April 2026
The US judge overseeing the case of Lockerbie bombing suspect Abu Agila Mohammad Masud has set jury selection for April 20, 2026. Judge Dabney Friedrich acknowledged the ' complicated nature ' and 'voluminous discovery of evidence' in the case surrounding the 1988 attack that resulted in the explosion of a Pan Am flight and the deaths of 270 people in Scotland. Mr Masud, 73, limped into court and donned headphones to listen to the status conference in Arabic. He looked straight ahead for the whole proceedings, never glancing at victims' families, who took up several rows of court seats. He didn't appear to communicate with his court-appointed lawyer during proceedings. In 2023, Mr Masud pleaded not guilty in connection to one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in UK and US history. Only one other person, former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, has been convicted for the bombing. After his conviction in 2001, Megrahi spent seven years in a Scottish prison, but he was eventually released on compassionate grounds and died in Libya in 2012. In 2003, Libya claimed responsibility for the attack that brought down the plane. The US government filed charges against Mr Masud in 2020, but it took more than two years to extradite him from Libya. Mr Masud's health problems, lawyer changes and logistical problems have caused the trial planning to move at a snail's pace. A court transcript seen by The National show the methodical nature of the case. At least three depositions of foreign citizens will have to take place outside the US before the trial begins, according to the court transcript. Though specifics are not disclosed, ways of potentially dealing with Mr Masud's health problems are also discussed. His court-appointed lawyers have promised to provide updates about his medical condition to better prevent any delays. In court on Thursday, Judge Friedrich emphasised the need to stay on schedule. 'I want this to be aggressive,' she said, referring to trial planning dates and schedule preparations. Mr Masud's lawyer told the judge that although there is 'some disagreement' about the extent of his medical problems, both defence and prosecutors are on the same page about how to deal with it going forward. All 259 people on board the Pan Am flight died in the attack and 11 people were killed on the ground by falling debris on December 21, 1988, shortly after the plane took off from London bound for New York. Of the victims, 190 were US citizens, along with people from the UK and Argentina, India, South Africa and Spain, among others.
