BREAKING: Clashes in Tripoli, Libya Leave 27 Dead and Over 100 Injured
Tripoli, Libya – At least 27 people have been killed and 106 others injured as clashes erupted between two powerful armed factions in the southern capital city of Tripoli, according to a statement released by the country’s emergency services on Tuesday.
The violence began on Monday after the commander of the 444 Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, was detained while attempting to travel through Tripoli’s main Mitiga airport. He was apprehended by a rival faction known as the Special Deterrence Force, which controls the airport. The motive behind his detention remains unknown.
The fighting escalated over the course of the day, with the clashes reaching their most severe point on Tuesday. Smoke was seen rising above the capital as battles raged through the night. Civilians were among the casualties, according to reports from the state news agency, LANA.
However, late on Tuesday, an agreement was reached between the warring factions and the UN-recognized Government of National Unity. The agreement stipulates that Mahmoud Hamza will be transferred to a neutral party. The cessation of all military operations in Tripoli, the return of military units to their barracks, and the assessment of damage to public and private property are also part of the agreement. The Government of National Unity will further issue compensations, according to LANA.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a statement on Tuesday, stating that it is closely monitoring the security situation in Tripoli and its impact on the civilian population. The mission reminded all parties involved of their responsibility under international law to protect civilians.
The country has been plagued by violence since 2014 when it was split between warring factions in the aftermath of the 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Moammar Gadhafi. The Special Deterrence Force and the 444 Brigade are considered the strongest military forces in Tripoli, according to Reuters.
The clashes in Tripoli mark the most severe violence seen in the capital this year, raising concerns about the stability and security of Libya. The international community will be closely watching the implementation of the agreement and monitoring the situation in the coming days.