Clashes erupt in Libya's capital as residents ordered to remain indoors

TRIPOLI, Libya

Libyan authorities urged residents of Tripoli late Monday to remain indoors for their safety after clashes erupted in the capital.

The Health Ministry declared a state of emergency at hospitals across Tripoli and surrounding areas, while the Education Ministry gave local authorities discretion to suspend classes and exams.

The Interior Ministry of Libya’s recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) called on “all citizens in Tripoli to remain in their homes and not go outside to ensure their safety.”

The Education Ministry said in a separate statement that in light of the security situation, school officials were authorized to suspend classes and exams Tuesday “to protect students, teachers and administrative staff.”

The Health Ministry instructed all hospitals, medical centers and relevant agencies in Tripoli and neighboring areas “to raise their readiness and maintain maximum emergency preparedness to respond to potential emergencies.”

The violence, according to local media and official statements, erupted in Tripoli’s Salah al-Din and Abu Salim neighborhoods.

Local media outlets, including Libya Al Ahrar TV, reported intermittent gunfire throughout the capital following unconfirmed reports of the death of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, who heads the Stability Support Apparatus.

According to the reports, the 444th Brigade, a unit under the Defense Ministry, was involved in clashes with the apparatus forces.

Libya Al Ahrar also cited Deputy Minister of Transport Wissam Al-Idrisi confirming the temporary suspension of air traffic at Mitiga International Airport.

However, airport director Ibrahim Farkash said air operations remained technically unaffected and “airspace is safe and open.”

The UN Support Mission in Libya said it was “closely monitoring” reports of military movements and escalating tensions in Tripoli and the broader western region.

In a statement, the mission urged all parties to “de-escalate immediately, avoid provocative actions and resolve disputes through dialogue.”

The US Embassy in Libya echoed the UN’s call in a post on X, urging “de-escalation amid reports of growing tensions in Tripoli.”

Libya continues to face sporadic security crises fueled by a political divide that has persisted since 2022. Two rival governments claim authority: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, which controls the west, and a parallel government based in Benghazi led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives, which controls the eastern parts of the country and some cities in the south.

Years of UN-led efforts to hold national elections have stalled, prolonging the country’s political fragmentation and armed conflict.