CNN
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Libya’s UN mission called for the escalation to be removed on Monday after the battle exploded in the capitals of North African countries.
Libya’s UN Support Mission (UNSMIL) said in a post in X, “we are wary of the security situation that is being deployed in Tripoli, and in a fierce battle with heavy weapons in a highly populated civilian region.”
“The mission calls on all parties to immediately stop fighting and gently recover, reminding all parties of their obligation to protect civilians at all times,” Unsmil added.
“Attacks on civilians and civilian objects can be a war crime.”
A shootout was heard in Tripoli as reports have been revealed that Abdulgani Kikuri, the well-known commander of the support device SSA, one of the capital’s most powerful armed groups, had been killed. Support Force Device SSA, according to its website, is a state-backed security agency affiliated with the Presidential Council.
Libya has been caught up in political conflict since 2011 when longtime dictator Moamar Gadafi was overthrown in 2011, leading to the emergence of several armed groups.
The 2020 ceasefire brought peace, but the country is fragile and divided, with the internationally recognized government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and Northwest rulings and the government of Benghazi’s national stability rulings in the East.
Armed conflicts have been reported from time to time, with major factions fighting to control Libya’s substantial oil and gas reserves.
In a report of the violence, GNU’s Ministry of Health told local hospitals and medical centres in Tripoli to prepare for emergencies, according to a post on their Facebook account.
The GNU’s Home Ministry called on citizens in a short statement to stay home “for their own safety,” according to Reuters.
The University of Tripoli also announced on Facebook that it would halt all research, examinations and administrative work until further notice.
The latest instability comes as the Trump administration plans to expel immigrants from the US into Libya. CNN first reported that the administration had communicated with Libya to contact the country to bring in immigrants from the US.
The administration appeared to be moving forward with these plans, like on Wednesday, when immigrants were believed to be held for hours towards Libya. The White House declined to comment on these flight plans.
