Armed clashes in the western Libyan city of Al-Zawiya have left at least three people dead and several others wounded, according to local Libyan media reports, amid renewed violence between rival armed groups in the coastal city.
The latest fighting erupted late on Thursday following the killing of Mohamed Aribi, reportedly a member of the “77” armed group, near the Al-Daman traffic junction in Al-Zawiya. The shooting triggered rapid retaliatory clashes that quickly spread to areas surrounding the coastal highway, raising fears of further instability in western Libya.
Local reports said heavy gunfire and armed mobilisation were witnessed across several neighbourhoods as tensions intensified in a city already suffering from recurring security unrest and growing lawlessness.
Al-Zawiya has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence in recent weeks, including assassinations, shootings, and confrontations between rival militias competing for influence and territorial control. The deteriorating security situation has fuelled public anger and concern among residents, particularly after a series of deadly incidents targeting young men in the city.
According to Libyan media outlets, at least five young men were killed in separate incidents over the past week alone, prompting mass funeral processions and renewed calls from residents for authorities to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya warned against the continuing escalation in Al-Zawiya and urged all parties to exercise restraint. The mission stressed the importance of protecting civilians and avoiding actions that could trigger a wider security collapse in the region.
Al-Zawiya, home to one of Libya’s key oil refining facilities, has frequently become a flashpoint for armed confrontations. Violent clashes near the refinery were also reported in May, highlighting the fragile security conditions that continue to affect strategic areas across western Libya.