TRIPOLI: The armed clashes broke out in the capital of Libya Monday evening following reports on the murder of Abdulghani Kikli, also known as “Ghaniwa”, a powerful militia commander, inciting the United Nations to call for immediate de -escalation.
Heavy shots and explosions were reported in the districts of Abu Salim and Salah Eddin, with residents describing the night sky lit by flashes. “I heard heavy shots and I saw red lights in the sky,” said a resident on condition of anonymity.
Kikli managed the support force (SSA), an important armed group operating under the government of national unity (GNU) and affiliated with the presidential council of Libya. His reported death sparked a quick and violent response from loyalist factions.
In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), the United Nations support mission in Libya (Unsmil) said it was “alarmed by the safety situation” and condemned the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas. The mission warned that attacks targeting civilians “can constitute war crimes” and urged all parties to immediately stop hostilities.
The Ministry of Health in Libya has asked hospitals to stay on a high alert for losses, while the Interior Ministry advised residents to stay inside for security. The University of Tripoli has suspended all academic and administrative operations until further notice.
Libya remains divided between the rival administrations in the east and the west after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi 2011. Although a cease-fire not questioned in 2020 remains officially in place, sporadic violence continues while the militias compete for the influence, the territory and the control of state institutions.
Recent violence also coincides with information that the Trump administration in the United States plans to deport migrants to Libya, despite long-standing concerns about instability and treatment with prisoners.
Unsmil reiterated the obligation of all armed actors to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.
