Libya: Armed Clashes in Tripoli Cause Chaos – Citizens Urged to Stay Indoors

Intense clashes erupted between rival armed groups on Monday evening (12.05.2025) in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, prompting the Ministry of Interior to issue a warning for residents to stay indoors. Sporadic gunfire from heavy and medium-caliber weapons was heard across parts of Tripoli after 9:00 PM local time (10:00 PM Greek time), signaling a deteriorating situation. No official announcements regarding casualties have been made by authorities. Without providing details, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity (GNU), headquartered in Tripoli, advised all citizens to remain at home for their safety. According to Libyan media, the clashes, which are occurring in southern areas of the city, involve armed groups from Tripoli and opposing factions from Misrata, a major city and port about 200 kilometers east of the capital. The GNU government declared a state of emergency Monday night. This led to conflicts between the 444th Brigade and the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) following the assassination of SSA leader Abd al-Ghani al-Kikli, also known as ‘Gheniwa.’ The 444th Brigade is reportedly responsible for al-Kikli’s assassination. Since the overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has struggled with war and chaos, remaining divided between two governments—one in Tripoli recognized by the UN and another in the eastern part of the country aligned with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s family. Despite relative stability over recent years, periodic clashes persist among various armed groups vying for power or influence. In August 2023, clashes between two powerful armed organizations in Tripoli resulted in at least 55 deaths. Yesterday evening, several municipalities in Tripoli and its suburbs, along with Libya University, announced that educational institutions would remain closed today until further notice. Earlier, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli called for calm, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions, avoid provocations, and resolve disputes through dialogue.