A wedding celebration for a member of an armed militia in Libya turned into a warlike display, as heavy weapons, RPG launchers, and machine guns were fired into the air in a scene that resembled a battlefield more than a festive occasion.
According to a video circulated on social media, believed to have been filmed in Tripoli, the wedding convoy blocked one of the capital’s main streets. Several participants were seen stepping out of decorated vehicles and firing live rounds and rocket-propelled grenades into the air. The footage quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation from Libyans frustrated by the country’s ongoing security vacuum and the unchecked spread of weapons outside state control.
Social media users expressed outrage over what they described as a reckless act that endangered civilians and reinforced the image of a lawless state. Activist Ramzi bin Younis, quoted by Al Arabiya Net, said: “This behaviour puts civilian lives at risk and deepens the sense of insecurity. While many Libyans struggle with poverty and deteriorating services, others waste money on armed displays — it’s both a moral scandal and a violation of the law.” He urged the Public Prosecutor’s Office to launch an independent investigation and impose an immediate ban on the use of heavy weapons in civilian events.
Another user, Ahmed Al-Lali, commented sarcastically: “In Libya, you don’t need an invitation to a wedding — just listen for the explosions, and you’ll know one is nearby. This isn’t joy; it’s a show of force.”
Scenes of gunfire at social gatherings, particularly weddings, have become increasingly common in Libya since 2011, reflecting the widespread availability of weapons and the persistence of militia influence in urban areas.
