Tripoli, Libya’s capital, returned to a fragile calm on Wednesday after days of the worst fighting the city has seen in years.
Residents cautiously stepped out of their homes as the government’s announcement of a ceasefire seemed to take hold across the battered streets.
The violence erupted late Monday following the killing of a key militia commander, sparking intense battles between rival armed groups. Though fighting slowed briefly on Tuesday morning, it quickly resumed overnight, turning many neighbourhoods into war zones.
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According to Libya’s defence ministry, coordinated efforts with security forces led to the deployment of police units around key locations in the city. These units, chosen for their neutrality and lack of heavy weaponry, were tasked with restoring order and keeping opposing factions apart.
By Wednesday, signs of the unrest were everywhere – burnt vehicles lined several roads, and buildings bore fresh bullet holes.
The recent chaos appeared to tilt the balance of power further in favour of Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who heads the Government of National Unity and maintains close ties with Turkey.
However, analysts warn that continued clashes in Tripoli could pull in militias from outside the capital, raising fears of a wider escalation across the country.
The primary confrontation involved two powerful groups: the 444 Brigade, aligned with Dbeibah, and the Special Deterrence Force, also known as Rada. Rada remains one of the last major armed factions in Tripoli not aligned with the current government.
Skirmishes were also reported in the western outskirts of Tripoli, an area that often sees the entry of fighters from Zawiya, a nearby town known for its active militias.
Tensions soared further after Dbeibah ordered the disbandment of what he described as rogue armed groups.
This directive followed the death of Abdulghani Kikli, commonly known as Ghaniwa, and the swift dismantling of his Stabilisation Support Apparatus by rival pro-government brigades.
With the seizure of SSA positions by the 444 and 111 Brigades, Dbeibah’s allies now control large parts of Tripoli. Rada stands as the last significant force yet to fall in line with the GNU.
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Residents caught in the crossfire described harrowing hours spent sheltering in fear as gunfire and shelling echoed through residential areas.
The sense of relief brought by Wednesday’s calm was overshadowed by the possibility of more violence.
