Clashes between warring armed groups in Libya leave 27 people dead

At least 27 people have been killed and 106 injured in clashes that erupted between two powerful armed groups in the southern Libyan capital Tripoli.

The fighting began on August 14 after the detention of the commander of the 444 Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, as he attempted to travel through Tripoli’s main Mitiga airport, CNN reports, citing a statement by the country’s emergency services.

“He was apprehended by a rival faction, the Special Deterrence Force, which controls the airport. The reason for his detention remains unknown,” the statement reads.

Late on August 15, the clashes ceased following an agreement reached with the UN-recognized Government of National Unity to transfer Hamza to a neutral party.

Civilians were said to be among the casualties.

The fighting is considered the most severe of this year with images showing smoke rising above the capital following the overnight battles.

The agreement encompasses the cessation of all military operations in Tripoli, the return of military units to their barracks, the assessment of damage to public and private property. It also obliges the Government of National Unity to issue compensations.

The country has seen little peace since it was split between warring factions since 2014, following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Moammar Gadhafi. The Special Deterrence Force and the 444 Brigade are considered the strongest military forces in the Libyan capital, according to Reuters.