Authorities declare state of emergency in Tripoli, Libya after powerful militia leader assassinated
- Libya's Government of National Unity declared a state of emergency in Tripoli on May 12, 2025, following clashes that killed militia leader Abdel Ghani al-Kikli.
- The assassination of al-Kikli, commander of the Support Force Apparatus and an ally of the GNU, escalated a fragile conflict involving rival armed groups vying for control.
- The fighting in densely populated areas included heavy weaponry, prompting the GNU interior ministry to urge citizens to stay home "for their own safety" and suspend university activities.
- UNSMIL posted on X calling for an immediate ceasefire and reminding parties of their obligation to protect civilians, while noting that attacks on civilians may amount to war crimes.
- The emergency highlights Libya's ongoing instability since Gaddafi's 2011 overthrow amid competition over oil reserves, with occasional armed clashes threatening political progress and civilian safety.
154 Articles
154 Articles
Rival Armed Groups Trade Fire in Libya’s Capital, Hours After Declaring a Ceasefire
In Libya, rival militias traded fire Wednesday in the capital Tripoli, just hours after a truce had been called following the worst fighting in the area in years. The clashes broke out Monday following the killing of the leader of a powerful armed group that’s been accused of major human rights abuses in Libya’s migrant detention facilities. At least six people were killed. Libya is ruled by two main authorities, while armed groups vie for contr…
Tripoli Erupts in Clashes as Rival Militias Battle for Control - teleSUR English
Violent clashes between two of Libya’s most powerful armed factions—the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) and the 444th Brigade—turned Tripoli into a war zone once again, following the assassination of militia commander Abdul Ghani al-Kikli (“Ghaniwa”). Within hours of the attack, Tripoli’s Abu Salim and Salah Eddin neighborhoods were consumed by heavy gunfire, RPG attacks, and armed convoys, forcing terrified families to shelter indoors. Videos…
Libya: Tripoli under fire, people trapped
As fighting continues between two rival armed groups in Tripoli, both linked to the government of Abdelhamid Dbeibah, Turkey — supported by the executive — called on Wednesday, 14 May, for a cease-fire without delay in the capital. The inhabitants, trapped, describe unprecedented violence.
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