Ceasefire Declared in Tripoli After Deadly Clashes Between Rival Militias

After some of the heaviest fighting Tripoli has seen in years, calm returned to the Libyan capital on Wednesday following a government-declared ceasefire. Residents reported a reduction in violence, though no official casualty figures have been released.

The clashes began late Monday night after a prominent militia leader, Abdulghani Kikli—also known as Ghaniwa—was killed. Although the situation briefly stabilized on Tuesday morning, intense fighting resumed overnight, engulfing several districts across the city.

According to the defense ministry, “regular forces, in coordination with relevant security agencies, have begun implementing necessary steps to maintain order,” which includes deploying neutral police units without heavy weaponry around key infrastructure points.

Scenes from the aftermath showed scorched vehicles and buildings riddled with bullet holes. The violence highlighted the fragile state of security in Tripoli, with many fearing a broader conflict could emerge if external factions intervene.

The recent violence appears to have consolidated power under Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, head of Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU). Dbeibah, aligned with Turkey, moved swiftly to dismantle irregular militias following Ghaniwa’s death and the defeat of his Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA) by the 444 and 111 Brigades—both allied with the prime minister.

One significant holdout remains: the Special Deterrence Force (Rada), the last major Tripoli militia not aligned with Dbeibah. According to The Libyan Observer, intense battles unfolded between Rada and the 444 Brigade on Wednesday.

Fighting also spread to Tripoli’s western outskirts, traditionally an entry point for militias from the town of Zawiya, west of the capital. These developments have raised concerns about the potential for broader escalation beyond the capital.

In reaction to the unrest, Dbeibah ordered the disbandment of all irregular armed groups operating within the city.

The recent turmoil terrified many residents. “It’s terrifying to witness all this intense fighting. I kept my family in one room to stay safe from the shelling,” said a father of three from Dahra. Another resident, Mohanad Juma from Saraj, described brief pauses in gunfire followed by renewed outbreaks: “Each time it stops, we breathe a little easier—but then the shooting starts again.”

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed deep concern over the violence in densely populated areas and urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire.

Libya has remained unstable since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The country has since been divided between rival eastern and western administrations, with Tripoli often at the heart of clashes among competing militias.

Despite the recent fighting, Libya’s major oil infrastructure—located in the southern and eastern regions—has not been impacted. Several oil engineers confirmed to Reuters that production remained steady. However, Sirte Oil Company, a National Oil Corporation (NOC) subsidiary, has suspended land transport to the west, including Tripoli, pending restoration of stability.