The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya has issued an urgent warning to residents of Zawiya, calling on civilians to exercise extreme caution and remain indoors amid ongoing armed clashes and escalating violence in several parts of the city.
The warning comes as security conditions rapidly deteriorate in western Libya, with reports of heavy fighting in multiple neighborhoods. Authorities and human rights officials fear that continued movement in affected areas could result in further civilian injuries or casualties.
Residents Advised to Avoid Conflict Zones
In its official statement, the institution urged all citizens and residents living near conflict zones or areas experiencing heightened tensions to avoid movement in and around these regions. It emphasized the importance of staying inside homes, keeping away from windows and main building facades, and minimizing unnecessary movement until the situation stabilizes.
The advisory aims to reduce the risk of harm to civilians caught in crossfire during the ongoing clashes.
Warnings for Coastal Road Travelers
The institution also warned travelers using the coastal road between Al-Zawiya and Tripoli, as well as routes leading to Libya’s western coast region, to remain vigilant. Particular caution was advised between the Omar Al-Mukhtar traffic light area and the Matrad district, where security tensions remain high.
These routes are considered critical transport corridors, and disruptions could affect civilian mobility and emergency response efforts.
Call for Humanitarian Corridors
In addition, the National Institution for Human Rights called on all parties involved in the conflict to immediately open safe humanitarian corridors. This would allow ambulance teams, emergency responders, and the Red Crescent to evacuate civilians trapped in conflict zones and provide urgent medical assistance to the wounded.
Human rights observers stress that ensuring safe passage for humanitarian teams is essential to preventing further loss of life.
Rising Concerns Over Civilian Safety
The escalation in Al-Zawiya highlights ongoing instability in western Libya, where intermittent clashes continue to threaten civilian safety and disrupt daily life. Local and international observers have repeatedly called for restraint and de-escalation to protect non-combatants.
The institution concluded its statement by wishing safety for all residents and urging strict adherence to safety precautions until calm is restored.
