Tripoli erupts in chaos as armed factions clash after militia leader's death PHOTO

Fresh violence has broken out in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, where armed clashes between rival groups have flared up once again. Fighting is currently concentrated in several key districts, including Ain Zara, Ras Hassan, and Bin Ashour.

According to reports from Libyan media cited by Turkish daily "Star", all flights at Mitiga International Airport — the main airport in Tripoli — have been suspended due to the deteriorating security situation.

The Tripoli branch of the Libyan Red Crescent has raised its alert level to the highest possible, in response to the escalating violence. In a further sign of the unrest, the University of Tripoli has once again suspended academic activities.

Online sources and social media posts suggest that the clashes are taking place between forces linked to Libya’s Ministry of Defence and a militia group known as “Rada.”

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement voicing serious concern over the surge in violence, particularly in heavily populated residential neighbourhoods of Tripoli, over the past two nights.

The mission warned of the growing danger to civilian lives and called for an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities in all areas with civilian populations. UNSMIL emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.

In areas affected by the ongoing violence, including those where clashes are taking place between Libyan security forces and militiamen from the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), several military and civilian vehicles have been found burned or damaged.

One of the key developments fueling the current unrest was the killing of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli — known by his nom de guerre “Ghneiwa” — who served as the head of the powerful SSA militia. His death reportedly triggered armed confrontations and shootouts across multiple neighbourhoods in Tripoli.

Amid the violence, Libyan army forces from the 444th Brigade have taken control of the SSA’s main headquarters in Tripoli, further escalating the standoff between rival groups.

By Tamilla Hasanova