Violent overnight clashes erupted in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, leaving at least six people dead in the Abu Salim district, according to emergency medical services. The deadly exchange, which occurred late Monday into Tuesday, has raised new concerns about security in the city despite government efforts to downplay the situation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Emergency Medicine and Support Center confirmed the recovery of six bodies following the cessation of hostilities in the affected areas. “The Recovery Unit at the Emergency Medicine and Support Center has recovered six bodies from the areas of the clashes around the Abu Salim district, after the situation stabilized relatively,” the agency stated.
The violence reportedly erupted between rival armed factions amid unconfirmed reports of the death of Abdul-Ghani al-Kikli, also known as Ghaniwa. Al-Kikli was the head of the Stability Support Department, a powerful militia group aligned with the Presidency Council. His death has not been officially confirmed, but the timing of the clashes and the spread of the reports has fueled speculation and tension across the capital.
Residents of southern Tripoli recounted a night filled with fear, citing the sound of heavy gunfire and the use of heavy weapons that rattled the densely populated area. “It was terrifying,” one resident told local media. “We heard continuous shooting and explosions for hours.”
Despite the chaos, Libya’s Interior Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday seeking to reassure the public. The ministry described the overall security situation in Tripoli as “safe and stable” and praised security services for “efficiently performing their duties to maintain security and public order.”
The latest unrest highlights the fragile security environment in Tripoli, where rival factions often clash despite a relative lull in large-scale fighting since the 2020 ceasefire agreement. With key figures such as al-Kikli involved, observers warn that the situation could deteriorate further if political and security tensions are not addressed promptly.
As the capital recovers from the latest spate of violence, many residents remain wary of a potential resurgence in conflict, underscoring the urgent need for a unified and lasting security framework in Libya.
