The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern over the recent clashes that took place between criminal elements, in Janzour, a civilian-populated neighborhood in Tripoli.
According to the official page of UNSMIL on Saturday, it said that these clashes frightened local residents and resulted in a number of casualties.
“The Mission condemns such reckless actions, as they directly endanger civilians at a time when Tripoli is beginning to recover from a 15-month long siege,” UNSMIL said.
The clashes underscored the need for the GNA to move swiftly on effective and coordinated Security Sector Reform and Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration efforts.
Rival groups are reported to have clashed in the Janzour area of western Tripoli on the morning of Tuesday, July 7, leaving several civilians wounded as well as many civilian vehicles were destroyed.
Tensions remain elevated in the area, and there remains a realistic possibility of further clashes in the near term.
Civil war broke out in Libya after the toppling of long-time ruler Muammer Gaddafi in 2011, who was later killed. Numerous militias are fighting for power and influence in the country, with Tripoli-allied militias backed by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. Meanwhile, eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France and Russia.