On Saturday, the National Human Rights Committee in Libya has strongly denounced the deadly armed clashes that erupted between elements affiliated to the Interior Ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the western Tripoli district of Janzour.
In a statement, the committee said that these violent clashes frightened local residents and put their lives at risk, in addition to resulting in a number of casualties.
The National Human Rights Committee called on the GNA’s Interior Ministry and the Attorney General to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the armed clashes that took place last Thursday in Janzour district.
It stressed the necessity of holding accountable those who are behind such criminal activities and who have provoked violence and endangerd civilians’ lives.
The Committee urged the GNA to quickly intervene in order to maintain security and end the chaos caused by those gunmen and outlawed groups.
“The clashes underscored the need for the GNA to move swiftly on effective and coordinated security sector reform and disarmament demobilisation and reintegration efforts,” the statement noted.
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 destroyed.
Tensions remain high in the area, and there remains a likely possibility of further clashes in the near term.
Civil war broke out in Libya after the toppling of long-time ruler Muammar 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.