Deadly clashes unfolded in the coastal city of Al-Khums after an armed unit affiliated with the Joint Operations Force in Misrata stormed the venue of the First National Reconciliation Forum on Saturday.
The incident sparked a violent exchange of gunfire, leading to the death of a security officer and injuries to others.
The victim, identified as Jamal Mahmoud Amer, was a member of the Criminal Investigation Department.
He died on the scene during the shootout, which erupted shortly after the armed group forcefully entered the meeting site.
Several other officers and individuals were reported injured, though their identities and conditions have yet to be officially disclosed.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety and viability of Libya’s ongoing national reconciliation process.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with gunfire echoing through the area and participants scrambling to evacuate the site.
Local officials and civil society groups in Al-Khums have demanded a full and transparent investigation into the events, calling on the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.
There is growing concern that such violent disruptions may derail the fragile efforts aimed at uniting the country after years of conflict and division.
The reconciliation forum was part of a broader national initiative designed to foster dialogue among various Libyan factions.
Saturday’s violence has drawn sharp criticism from political figures and human rights advocates, who warned that continued armed interference threatens to undermine any prospects for lasting peace.
Residents in Al-Khums are also calling for calm and urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. The situation in the city remains tense, with fears of further escalation if swift measures are not taken to restore order and uphold the legitimacy of peaceful reconciliation efforts.
