Heavy gunfire and violent clashes shook the streets of Tripoli on Monday evening after reports surfaced that a local militia leader had been killed. According to Reuters, gunshots were heard across the city centre and other neighbourhoods of the Libyan capital.
The leader who was killed was Abdelghani al-Kikli, also known as “Ghaniwa.” He commanded the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), one of the strongest armed groups operating in Tripoli. His group is based in the Abu Salim area, a heavily populated part of the city.
Social media are flooded with videos showing intense fighting and the sounds of heavy gunfire. People across the city said they heard loud gunshots, and the streets quickly turned chaotic. Drivers began speeding and honking their horns in panic.
“Senior security sources confirmed that al-Kikli was killed at a headquarters affiliated with the 444th Combat Brigade in the Tripoli Military Zone,” quoted the Libyan Express.
GNU-affiliated media reported early Tuesday that the defence ministry had regained full control of Abu Salim, where the SSA was headquartered.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES SAFETY ALERT, SCHOOLS SHUT
The Stability Support Apparatus, headed by al-Kikli, falls under the jurisdiction of the Presidential Council that was established in 2021 under a United Nations-sponsored peace process. The existing unity government, also referred to as the Government of National Unity (GNU), is led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.
As a reaction to the violence, the GNU’s interior ministry released a message asking people to stay indoors. “For their own protection,” it advised, citizens are not to venture outdoors.
Meanwhile, the University of Tripoli, cancelled all classes, exams, and administrative activities at its campuses until further notice. The announcement was made public via a Facebook post by the leadership of the university.
UN CALLS FOR CALM AMID GROWING TENSIONS
The United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged all groups involved in the fighting to stop immediately and restore calm in Tripoli. The UN also reminded fighters of their duty to protect innocent civilians.
“Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes,” the statement said firmly.
Libya has been plagued into instability since 2011, when a rebellion backed by NATO led to the fall of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The country has since been split between rival factions in the east and the west. While in 2020 a ceasefire was established, attempts to create permanent peace have been largely unsuccessful.
Its capital, Tripoli, is also a conflict hotbed. There are several groups of armed forces who frequently struggle for power, influence, and dominance over the riches of Libya – particularly its oil resources.
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