Libya’s western city of Al-Zawiya has witnessed a serious security escalation after violent armed clashes broke out near Ben Youssef Road, following the death of a field commander linked to one of the city’s armed factions.
The fighting reportedly involved armed elements affiliated with Mohamed Bahrun, widely known as “Al-Far,” and another group believed to be loyal to commander Salem Al-Latif.
The clashes erupted after the announced death of Malik Al-Mahrouq, a close associate of Salem Al-Latif, who died from wounds sustained in an earlier shooting incident.
Local sources said the violence caused panic among residents, as gunfire spread through parts of the city amid fears that the confrontation could expand into wider armed conflict.
The clashes also left an African worker dead after he was struck by a stray bullet, underlining the growing risks faced by civilians as armed tensions continue to rise in Al-Zawiya .
The latest escalation adds to concerns over the fragile security situation in western Libya, where rival armed groups continue to compete for influence in key urban areas.