Violent clashes between rival armed groups erupted in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, on Monday night, with media reports confirming the death of Abdelghani al-Kikli, leader of the influential Support and Stability Apparatus, based in southern Tripoli.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard across multiple areas of the capital from around 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), prompting local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors for their safety. The Interior Ministry of the national unity government in Tripoli also issued a public statement urging citizens to remain at home due to the ongoing violence.
According to local news outlets, the fighting broke out in the southern suburbs of Tripoli between armed factions from the capital and rival groups from Misrata, a key port city located around 200 km (125 miles) east of the capital. Reports suggest that al-Kikli, who led the Support and Stability Apparatus, was killed in the fighting.
Libya remains deeply divided following the 2011 revolution that led to the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The country is now split between a UN-recognised government based in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, led by the Haftar family. Despite periods of relative calm, sporadic clashes continue to flare up as various armed groups vie for control of territory.
In August 2023, similar violence between two powerful armed factions in Tripoli resulted in 55 deaths. Following the latest outbreak of violence, several districts in the capital and its suburbs announced that schools would be closed on Tuesday until further notice.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, urging all parties involved to cease fighting immediately. UNSMIL also warned that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes and voiced its support for community leaders working to de-escalate the conflict.