Libya: Clashes in Tripoli Leave Dozens Dead and Wounded Amid Political and Security Turmoil
Violence surged in Tripoli, Libya, as clashes driven by rival militias erupted on Thursday night, adding to the country’s escalating political crisis and worsening economic strain. The fighting intensified during the following day, casting a shadow over normal life in the capital.
Osama Ali, spokesperson for the Emergency and Ambulance Service, reported a growing death toll and injuries in an updated tally released on Friday night. According to regional media, the number of victims rose by six deaths and nine injuries from the latest figures. Among the deceased were civilians, including a child, underscoring the civilian impact of the violence. This update comes amid ongoing concern about the safety of residents as fighting has periodically flared across districts.
The violence involves two principal factions. One group consists of former fighters who opposed Muammar Gaddafi, led by Abdul Rauf Kara. The other is the RADA Special Deterrence Force, recently transformed into a vigilant force, and the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigade (BRT) led by Ayub Abu Ras, who maintains close ties to the Unity Government in the capital. Reports indicate the clashes began after a senior RADA commander was abducted by elements affiliated with the Revolutionary Brigade. Libyan observers describe Tripoli as a city surrounded by diverse armed groups since the collapse of Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. This environment has complicated efforts to restore stability in the capital. (Source: Libya Observer)
After a period of relative calm, hostilities resumed in the afternoon in the second district. Civilians caught in the crossfire sought refuge in large venues such as wedding halls, and many residents requested safe corridors to escape the bombardment of residential areas. Humanitarian concerns remain high as people seek protection and means to evacuate the most vulnerable, including families with children.
The Presidential Council issued a statement urging the warring parties to end the confrontation and return to their posts, while calling on the public prosecutor to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the clashes. The National Unity Government emphasized that the ministries of defense and interior must take decisive steps to restore security in Tripoli. These appeals came just days after senior military officials from opposition administrations held a rare meeting in the city to discuss efforts toward unifying the armed factions and pursuing a path toward resolution. (Source: Libyan News Portals)
Officials described the military talks as part of a broader, staged process aimed at countering terrorism and stabilizing the country. The context includes postponed presidential elections and a series of legal and political moves that have complicated governance since 2021. The eastern-based House of Representatives had previously affirmed the end of the transitional term of the unity government and appointed a successor prime minister, a move that the unity government did not recognize as a final settlement. A constitutional referendum held in June provided a legal framework for elections but did not lead to a vote. These dynamics reflect the ongoing struggle to implement a unified roadmap for governance and security in Libya. (Source: Regional Briefings)
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibé, who had been named by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in February 2021, remains a central figure in discussions about leadership and power sharing. He succeeded the then-unity prime minister Fayez Serraj, who agreed to step aside after consultations following a ceasefire agreement. The current dialogue and security efforts seek to balance influence among eastern authorities and the capital’s administrations as parties negotiate a path forward that could slow or reverse ongoing violence. (Source: Libyan Political Updates)