Tripoli University has faced alarming levels of destruction due to recent violent clashes that have rocked the city.
The armed clashes that broke out on Tuesday have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries over the past couple of days.
Intermittent sounds of clashes were heard in several neighbourhoods, particularly in Ain Zara, Tarik Al-Shok, and Al-Hadaba Al-Khadra.
The clashes erupted following the arrest of Mahmoud Hamza, the commander of the 444th Brigade, by the Special Deterrence Force (SDF) at Mitiga Airport. Hamza was en route to Misrata to attend a military parade alongside Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba.
The situation de-escalated after the dignitaries of Souq Al-Jumaa announced on Tuesday evening that Hamza would be handed over to a neutral entity, supervised by the Souq Al-Jumaa Social Council and the Four Districts. This also encompassed halting all military actions, returning units to their military barracks, and assessing public and private property damages, ensuring compensations are provided by the government.
Images circulated online showcased the scale of devastation, notably within the Nuclear Engineering department of the University.
In response to the growing turmoil, Tripoli University announced the suspension of all academic activities, including classes and exams, as well as halting administrative functions last Tuesday.
The Emergency and Support Medical Center reported 55 casualties and 106 injured due to these clashes. They also noted the evacuation of 234 families from conflict zones, and the establishment of three field hospitals to cater to the wounded.
This decision came in light of the heightened security threats predominantly in the southern parts of the city. Viral footage on social media platforms captures instances of the ‘Deterrence Force’ launching tank missiles from the university grounds.
Meanwhile, Buraq Airline announced the temporary suspension of its international and domestic flights from Mitiga Airport until further notice, citing circumstances beyond its control.
