Ceasefire starts in Libyan capital after renewed armed clashes

TRIPOLI, Libya / ANKARA

Libya’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday a ceasefire took effect in the capital, Tripoli, after renewed armed clashes.

A ministry statement said the ceasefire began in all areas of tension in Tripoli as part of efforts “to protect civilians, preserve state institutions, and avoid further escalation.”

It said regular forces, in coordination with security agencies, have taken the necessary measures to ensure calm, including “the deployment of neutral units at a number of contact points to ensure stability and prevent any on-the-ground friction."

The ministry called on all parties to fully commit to the ceasefire and to refrain from any action that could lead to renewed tensions.

Armed clashes renewed in the Ain Zara, Ras Hassan, and Bin Ashur neighborhoods in the capital on Wednesday, according to witnesses.

No information was yet available about injuries.

Judicial Police said that several prisoners escaped from Al-Jadida Prison in eastern Tripoli as a result of the clashes near the facility.

Police said most of the escapees were sentenced for serious crimes, warning that the ongoing violence could have serious consequences on security in the capital.

Libyan media said flights were suspended at Mitiga airport due to the clashes, while the Education Ministry suspended classes at schools in the capital.

The clashes first erupted on Monday following the death of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, who heads the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Tuesday expressed concern over the ongoing clashes in Tripoli.

"UNSMIL is deeply alarmed by escalating violence in densely populated neighborhoods of Tripoli for the second night in a row, placing countless civilians at grave risk," it said on X, calling for an "immediate, unconditional" ceasefire in all populated areas.

Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011, when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.