Heavy clashes erupted on Saturday evening in the Al-Hara district of Al-Zawiya, western Libya, amid escalating security tensions between rival armed groups, eyewitnesses said.
According to local sources, the fighting broke out between forces loyal to Ahmed Daraa and others affiliated with Abdelmoez Qabasa, with both sides using light and medium weapons in densely populated residential areas.
The exchanges of fire caused widespread panic among civilians, as the sound of gunfire echoed across the neighborhood and nearby districts. Residents reported being confined to their homes for safety, while traffic movement was severely disrupted.
Eyewitnesses also confirmed the deployment of a large number of armored vehicles in the Al-Sharafa area, signaling a significant security mobilization and raising fears of a further escalation.
Al-Zawiya, located west of Tripoli, has repeatedly witnessed armed confrontations between rival factions competing for influence, control of key facilities, and strategic routes. Despite repeated calls by local authorities and community leaders for calm, the city continues to face periodic outbreaks of violence that threaten civilian safety and stability.
No official casualty figures were immediately released, and authorities had yet to issue a formal statement at the time of reporting.