An assassination attempt against the commander of Libya’s “55 Infantry Battalion,” Muammar Al-Dhawy, was foiled in the early hours of Sunday, according to the battalion’s media office.
Mohamed Mseib, head of the battalion’s media office, told Alwasat newspaper that gunmen attacked a convoy belonging to the unit in the Al-Maamoura district of Warshefana. The assailants attempted to reach the residence of Al-Dhawy.
The battalion’s fighters responded immediately, engaging in heavy clashes with the attackers. The exchange of fire lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Mseib confirmed that twelve assailants were killed during the confrontation, while no casualties were reported among the battalion’s forces.
“The situation is now under control, and life has returned to normal in the Al-Maamoura area,” Mseib said. He stressed that the attack had been contained swiftly, preventing further escalation.
Warshefana has seen a surge in violence in recent weeks. In late July, the area witnessed deadly clashes following a family feud between the Lafi and Al-Hadawi families in the town of Awlad Issa. That incident left Ramzi Al-Lafi dead, along with Hatem and Reda Al-Lafi. On the opposing side, Ala Al-Hadawi, Emad Al-Hadawi, and Adel Ammar Al-Hadawi were also killed.
The recent attack underscores the fragile security environment in the western outskirts of Tripoli, where armed groups continue to wield influence and local disputes often spiral into armed confrontations. While officials insist stability has been restored, observers warn that recurring violence risks destabilising the already tense security situation.
Libya remains divided between rival authorities and armed factions, with efforts by the United Nations to broker a lasting political settlement facing repeated setbacks.
