A Libyan militia announced the death of a fighter during fierce clashes with another militia, in the Tajoura suburb of Tripoli.
The Rahba Al-Dor brigade declared a state of general alert, urging all its units and members to mobilize, following an attack on one of the headquarters of the 51st Brigade on Monday morning.
Military vehicles and armed cars were deployed around the area after the killing of Mohamed Al-Zanad.
Local residents reported intermittent gunfire and the presence of dozens of military vehicles, leading to the closure of the Coastal Road.
Libya has witnessed a troubling surge in armed conflicts among militias across its western regions throughout 2023, exacerbating the nation’s long-standing crisis, and hampering efforts toward democratic transition. These conflicts, which have been a continuous struggle for power and influence, have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, and significant destruction of both public and private properties.
The Libyan people and the international community have grown increasingly concerned, as these recurrent skirmishes threaten the stability brought about by the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2020. Moreover, the ongoing violence has disrupted public life and negatively influenced the political trajectory of the country, including the crucial process of conducting national elections.
Key incidents throughout the year highlight the severity of the situation. In October, Gharyan, a city in western Libya, became a battlefield for the 111th Battalion and the Support and Stability Apparatus, one of the most powerful Tripoli-based government-recognized militias, leading to numerous casualties.
In August 2023, Tripoli witnessed heavy clashes between the Special Deterrence Force and the 444th Combat Brigade. This confrontation resulted in 27 deaths over 100 injuries, and significant damage to public infrastructure.
The conflict extended to other regions as well. July saw violent encounters in Tripoli’s Fornaj district and Ajaylat city, affecting electricity supplies, and causing widespread damage. In May, the Ras Hassan and Jarabah areas were rocked by clashes between the Deterrence Force and the 444th Combat Brigade over the kidnapping of a key figure.
April and February brought more bloodshed in Zawiyah, Ajaylat, and Tajura, where various militia factions clashed, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. These incidents reflect the pervasive nature of the conflict across the country.
These continual confrontations throughout 2023 have highlighted the precarious and volatile security landscape in Libya. The ongoing militia violence not only poses a direct threat to the lives of civilians but also significantly obstructs the country’s path toward stability and democratic governance. This situation underscores the critical need for effective national, and international strategies to tackle the militia issue in Libya.