The southern Libyan capital of Tripoli has been plunged into chaos as violent clashes between two powerful armed factions have resulted in a tragic toll of 27 deaths and over 100 injuries. The skirmishes erupted following the detention of the commander of the 444 Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, by a rival faction known as the Special Deterrence Force. The conflict has brought renewed instability to a nation grappling with deep divisions.
The fighting, described as the most severe this year, began on Monday when Mahmoud Hamza was detained while attempting to pass through Tripoli’s main Mitiga airport. The airport is under the control of the Special Deterrence Force, adding to the already high tensions between the factions. The reason behind Hamza’s detention remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Images from the capital have shown billowing smoke rising into the sky as the conflict intensified overnight. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, highlighting the devastating impact of internal strife on innocent lives.
Efforts to halt the violence gained momentum as an agreement was reached late Tuesday between the warring factions and the UN-recognized Government of National Unity. According to the state news agency LANA, the deal includes a plan to transfer Mahmoud Hamza to a neutral party to de-escalate the situation.
The terms of the agreement go beyond the immediate cessation of military operations. They also encompass the return of military units to their barracks, assessment of damage to both public and private property, and the commitment of the Government of National Unity to issue compensations where necessary.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has been closely monitoring the situation, stressing the importance of protecting civilians under international law. In a statement, UNSMIL emphasized that all parties involved are responsible for preventing harm to innocent civilians and upholding human rights principles.
Libya has been mired in conflict since 2014, following the aftermath of the NATO-backed uprising that led to the downfall of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Factionalism and the power struggle have fragmented the country into opposing forces, undermining stability. The recent clashes in Tripoli are a stark reminder of the underlying tensions threatening Libya’s progress toward a unified and peaceful state.
Of the warring factions involved in the recent violence, the Special Deterrence Force and the 444 Brigade stand out as the most potent military forces within the capital. Their rivalry, as demonstrated by the recent clashes, highlights the complex and fractured nature of Libya’s political and military landscape.
The international community watches with concern as Libya grapples with internal strife. The conflict not only endangers civilian lives but also impedes efforts to rebuild the nation, attract investment, and establish a functioning government. The fragile peace brokered by the Government of National Unity now faces its sternest test yet, and the country’s path toward reconciliation remains uncertain.
As Libya navigates through this latest wave of violence, the hope for a stable and united nation remains on the horizon. The international community and the Libyan people yearn for a future marked by peace, prosperity, and an end to the devastating cycle of internal conflict.