At least five young Libyan fighters were killed in intense clashes between rival militias in the western coastal city of Sabratha, marking a violent start to Eid al-Adha.
The fighting broke out early on Eid morning between two local militias: one led by Saleh Al-Dabbashi and the other by Ahmed Al-Dabbashi, also known as “Al-Ammu.” Residents reported hours of heavy gunfire involving light and medium weapons, sending panic across the city’s neighbourhoods.
Local sources confirmed the death of Nouri Al-Fathali during the initial phase of the violence, followed by the killing of Tariq Al-Hamoudi, a prominent fighter linked to one of the armed factions. Soon after, reports emerged of the deaths of Malik Al-Shawi and Mohammed Al-Khadrawi from the city of Zawiya, and another unnamed Libyan young man, bringing the current death toll to at least five.
Despite the escalating violence, there has been no official response from the Government of National Unity or the ministries of interior and defence. The absence of any public statement has drawn criticism from residents, who expressed growing frustration over the state’s inability to curb militia violence or protect civilians.
Rights groups have urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid conflict zones as the security situation deteriorates. Eyewitnesses described scenes of fear and chaos in several districts, with families trapped in their homes and reports of random gunfire.
The incident underscores the fragile security landscape in western Libya, where rival armed groups continue to operate with impunity amid weak state authority and limited law enforcement.
Clashes between militias have become a recurring threat in Sabratha, a city already known for smuggling networks and competing power structures.
