Armed clashes erupted in the Libyan city of Al-Zawiya, leaving two fighters dead and causing major disruption along the coastal road, amid renewed fears of escalating violence in western Libya.
Local residents reported that heavy gunfire broke out in the vicinity of the main coastal highway, triggering panic among commuters and forcing many businesses in the area to close temporarily. The confrontation led to the deaths of Ashraf Sakkah and Mohamed Ben Koura, both members of the 103rd Battalion, also known locally as “Katibat Al-Silaa”, commanded by Osman Al-Lahab.
The Emergency and Ambulance Service confirmed the full closure of the coastal road in Al-Zawiya, extending from the Awlad Saqr traffic lights to the Al-Harsha Gate, as the clashes intensified and the security situation worsened. Authorities urged residents to avoid the affected zone, use alternative routes, and remain alert.
The agency also reported that a civilian was injured after a projectile landed near him, underscoring the risks faced by non-combatants in the area.
These developments mark yet another episode in a series of repeated armed confrontations that have plagued Al-Zawiya in recent years. The city has frequently witnessed disputes between local armed groups that quickly escalate into urban warfare, disrupting daily life, blocking vital roads, and threatening the safety of residents. Community leaders and civil activists have renewed calls for firm measures to end the persistent instability and restore security.
