Fresh clashes have erupted in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, just a day after authorities declared the fighting over, according to a security official on Wednesday.
Renewed hostilities between two powerful armed factions — the Radaa Force and the 444 Brigade — broke out in key areas of the city, including around the port. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the violence has reignited fears of broader conflict in a city long plagued by militia rivalries.
The security official described the situation as “urban warfare,” noting that residential areas were affected by exchanges of light and medium-calibre gunfire, while in other parts, heavy weaponry was being deployed to target opposing positions.
Tripoli remains vulnerable to militia violence more than a decade after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Libya remains divided between the UN-recognised government led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across several Tripoli districts on Monday night, with authorities confirming at least six deaths. Unconfirmed reports also claimed Abdelghani al-Kikli, the powerful leader of the Support and Stability Apparatus, was killed at a facility under the control of the 444 Brigade.
The latest round of violence has since spread to southern and western parts of the capital. According to the interior ministry, Radaa forces, supported by allied groups, launched reinforcements against the 444 Brigade. Other armed groups reportedly entered the capital from the nearby city of Zawiya to bolster Radaa’s position.
The 444 Brigade, aligned with Prime Minister Dbeibah, holds sway over parts of southern Tripoli, while Radaa dominates in the eastern part of the capital and controls a number of strategic state facilities.
In response to the unrest, the Tripoli-based government on Tuesday claimed that order had been restored. Prime Minister Dbeibah issued a series of executive decrees, including one announcing the dissolution of the Radaa Force. He also moved to disband or restructure other armed groups operating independently of the 444 Brigade.
The United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation. In a statement, it said it was “deeply alarmed by escalating violence in densely populated neighbourhoods of Tripoli for the second night in a row,” and urged all parties to implement an “immediate, unconditional ceasefire” and allow safe passage for civilians caught in conflict zones.
