On Saturday, the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Libya (AOHR) condemned the outbreak of violent clashes in Tripoli. It demanded an immediate cessation of violence, and protection for local hospitals.
In a statement, the organization confirmed that it is “following with great concern the outbreak of armed clashes in Tripoli.” It stressed that “such conflicts have led to a number of casualties and injuries among civilians, in addition to heavy damage to one of Tripoli’s main hospitals.”
The AOHR called on the warring sides to “exercise self-restraint,” and appealed to the Libyan authorities to “intervene to stop such violent incidents, restore stability in the capital, and provide the necessary treatment for the injured.”
At least one person was killed and five others wounded during the clashes, a health official said.
Footage circulated online showed houses and vehicles damaged from the fighting.
The Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB) affiliated with the commander Haitham Al-Tajouri clashed with the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) affiliated with Abdel-Ghani Al-Kikli (Gheniwa).
According to witnesses, the TRB managed to defeat SSA forces, take control of the internal security headquarters on Al-Jumhuriya Street, seize dozens of cars, and detain three people.
Fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons. Libya’s two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich, but impoverished North African country.
Gunshots and explosions rang through the darkened streets of Tripoli, according to media reports.
Local media reported Saturday that the Coastal Road linking the cities of Al-Khoms and Zliten was closed. This was in anticipation of the movement of forces from Misrata towards Tripoli.
The crisis pits groups that back the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by incumbent Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, against supporters of a rival government led by Prime Minister-designate, Fathi Bashagha.
Bashagha was appointed in February by the Libyan Parliament, but has since been unable to enter Tripoli.