Clashes Between Militias in Libya Result in 9 Fatalities

CAIRO — Violence erupted in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on Friday as two heavily armed militia groups clashed in the eastern neighborhood of Tajoura, resulting in at least nine fatalities and 16 injuries, according to local health officials. The fighting involved the Rahba al-Duruae militia, led by warlord Bashir Khalfallah, and the al-Shahida Sabriya militia. The clashes, which lasted for several hours and involved heavy weaponry, have raised alarms among residents and officials alike. Khaled al-Meshry, the newly elected head of the west-based High Council of State, condemned the violence and called for an investigation into the incident. The United Nations mission in Libya also expressed concern, highlighting the dangers of using heavy weapons in populated areas and the urgent need for a political process to facilitate credible elections. The ongoing violence underscores the precarious situation in Libya, which has been mired in conflict since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Libya remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by various armed groups. The recent clashes are part of a broader pattern of militia infighting as factions vie for control and influence in the region. The situation is further complicated by military movements from eastern forces, raising fears of a potential escalation into a new war between eastern and western Libya. The international community, including the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., and the U.S., has warned that such military mobilizations could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire established in 2020, emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence.