Tripoli witnessed heavy gunfire on Friday as rival armed groups clashed in the capital’s Noufleen district. The confrontation involved armed groups from the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), and members of another armed group, known as the Judicial Police.
According to local sources, the firefight erupted after members of the Judicial Police attempted to arrest a wanted suspect identified as “Kiko,” who is accused of drug trafficking and is also pursued by the Special Deterrence Force (Radaa).
As the arrest operation unfolded, armed personnel allegedly affiliated with the SSA intervened and opened fire on the arresting team, resulting in a violent confrontation in the area. Reports suggest possible ties between the fugitive and the SSA, though no official confirmation has been issued.
While no formal statement has been released by authorities, preliminary information from eyewitnesses and security sources indicates that at least three members of the Radaa Force were killed in the clashes. Several civilians were reportedly injured, and residential properties suffered damage from stray bullets and shelling.
The situation remains tense in the Noufleen district, with security forces deployed and roads partially closed. This incident adds to growing concerns about the overlapping roles of armed groups and the fragile nature of security governance in Tripoli, where competing factions often operate with conflicting mandates.
The event underscores the broader issue of impunity and fragmented authority in Libya, where multiple security apparatuses, often aligned with different power centres, continue to operate without clear oversight. As tensions simmer, residents fear further violence and demand urgent intervention to restore order and accountability.
