The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Presidential Council — which acts as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces in western Libya — have established a ceasefire committee to maintain the fragile truce in the capital, Tripoli.
"The establishment of the committee, led by the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Major General Muhammad al-Haddad, reflects the commitment of all parties to prevent further escalation and uphold their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law," read a statement posted by UNSMIL on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The mission also expressed concern over “reports of civilian casualties during the violence that erupted last week,” and called for “an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire.”
Tensions flared in Tripoli on the evening of May 12 when fighting broke out in the southern part of the capital between the 444th Combat Brigade, led by Mahmoud Hamza, and the Stability Support Apparatus. The clashes were reportedly sparked by the death of the Apparatus’ leader, Abdel Ghani al-Kikli.
The fighting lasted for several hours, after which the Ministry of Defense under the Government of National Unity (GNU) announced it had successfully completed a security operation in the capital. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh subsequently issued a series of measures aimed at restructuring Tripoli’s security services.
However, these decisions sparked fresh unrest. According to Libyan media, at least six people — including civilians — were killed overnight, and about 70 were injured. On May 14, the first mass protests erupted in Tripoli, with residents blaming the Dbeibeh government for the bloodshed and demanding its resignation.
According to the latest reports, one protester was killed and several others injured during a nighttime bombardment by forces loyal to the GNU. In response to the protests, which drew tens of thousands into the streets, several ministers and deputy ministers in Dbeibeh’s cabinet submitted their resignations.
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Based on TASS materials