Violence Erupts in Tripoli: UN and Iran Call for Immediate End to Clashes
Civilians at Risk as Rival Militias Battle in Libyan Capital, Prompting International Alarm and Fears of Mass Displacement
Libya, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have sounded the alarm over a dramatic escalation of violence in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, warning that the ongoing clashes are putting civilians in grave danger and could trigger mass displacement. Iran has also joined the international call for an immediate end to the bloodshed, urging all parties to pursue dialogue and avoid foreign interference.
Fighting broke out earlier this week between forces loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and rival militias, resulting in at least six deaths and dozens of injuries over the past three days. The violence began after the killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, a prominent militia leader, and the defeat of his Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) group by the 444 Brigade, which is aligned with Dbeibah’s government.
Although the UN-recognized government announced it was reasserting control and a ceasefire was declared on Wednesday, eyewitnesses reported that clashes continued. Supporters of the slain Kikli vowed to pursue those responsible, further fueling instability.
The IOM has called for an immediate end to hostilities, warning of a “severe risk of mass displacement and danger to civilians.” The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) also condemned the rapid escalation, warning that the situation could “spiral out of control” and reminding all parties that attacks on civilians and infrastructure may constitute crimes under international law.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, expressed deep concern over the violence, urging all sides to restore calm, engage in dialogue, and resist destructive foreign interference. He also conveyed sympathy to the families of those killed and injured in the clashes.
The recent escalation is considered the worst fighting Tripoli has seen in years, raising fears that Libya could slide back into widespread conflict as the government attempts to suppress rival armed groups. Since the 2011 Western-backed uprising that ousted and killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has remained divided between the UN-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, led by General Khalifa Haftar. The conflict has drawn in foreign powers, with Turkey supporting the Tripoli government and the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan backing Haftar’s forces.
The violence has brought daily life in Tripoli to a standstill. Schools, universities, the airport, and the harbor have all been closed, and most businesses have shuttered their doors. Residents, weary from years of conflict, are sheltering at home, with some areas already experiencing shortages of essential goods.
Claudia Gazzini of the International Crisis Group commented,
“Whether these clashes serve to undermine or consolidate Dbeibah's authority remains an open question. Either way, residents of Tripoli are yet again victims of violence wrought by forces beyond their control.”
As the international community calls for calm and accountability, the people of Tripoli face an uncertain future, caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows little sign of abating.(PW)
Source: PressTv