UN urges immediate de-escalation in Tripoli amid military buildup

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a strong call for immediate de-escalation following reports of armed forces mobilising in the Libyan capital Tripoli and its surrounding areas, raising fears of renewed violence in the capital.

In a statement, UNSMIL expressed concern over the "increasing reports of ongoing military buildup in and around Tripoli," Caliber.Az writes, citing Arabic media. 

The mission urged all parties involved to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could escalate tensions or spark further clashes.

The statement emphasised the need for all sides to engage in the de-escalation process in good faith and swiftly implement the security measures agreed upon during efforts to halt violence earlier this year in May.

Clashes in recent days have resulted in the deaths of six people, according to UN sources.

Libya has been gripped by conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising.

The country remains split between Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's UN-recognized government based in Tripoli and a rival administration based in the east.

By Khagan Isayev