The United Nations has expressed grave concern following a sudden eruption of heavy fighting in Tripoli, Libya’s capital, urging all sides to immediately de-escalate tensions.
In a late-night statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated it was “alarmed” by the escalating violence in densely populated neighborhoods. The mission emphasized that all parties must halt the fighting and prioritize the safety of civilians, warning that attacks on non-combatants could amount to war crimes under international law.
Power Struggles in Tripoli Turn Deadly
According to reports from Reuters, intense gunfire and shelling swept through parts of Tripoli as rumors circulated that Abdulghani Kikli — a top commander of the state-backed Support Force Apparatus (SSA) — may have been killed in the violence. The SSA operates under the authority of the Libyan Presidential Council and is considered one of Tripoli’s dominant armed entities.
This latest outbreak of violence highlights Libya’s fragile security landscape more than a decade after the 2011 overthrow of Moammar Gaddafi. The power vacuum left in the wake of his regime has led to the proliferation of militias, each vying for political control and access to the country’s vast oil and gas resources.
Ceasefire Tested, Hospitals on Alert
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in 2020, Libya remains divided. The UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) governs from Tripoli and the northwest, while the eastern region is under the control of the rival Government of National Stability.
As tensions escalated Monday, the GNU’s health ministry instructed hospitals and emergency medical centers to prepare for mass casualties. The interior ministry also issued a public safety warning urging citizens to stay indoors. Meanwhile, the University of Tripoli suspended all academic and administrative operations until further notice.
Broader Implications Amid U.S. Migration Policy
The conflict coincides with reports that the Trump administration is considering deporting migrants from the United States to Libya. CNN recently disclosed that the administration was in communication with Libyan authorities regarding migrant transfers. A recent incident involving migrants detained on a bus for hours before being returned to custody underscores the complexity and controversy of the plan.
While the White House has yet to provide further clarification, human rights advocates have raised concerns about the safety of sending migrants to a country experiencing active armed conflict.