Tripoli-based Libyan government declares capital secure
Libya’s Defense Ministry under the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) said Tuesday it has “successfully concluded” a military operation in the capital, following a night of clashes triggered by the reported assassination of a senior security commander.
The ministry said in a statement that it had giving instructions “to complete its plan in the region to ensure sustained security and stability,” but provided no details.
Fighting reportedly erupted in several parts of Tripoli on Monday evening after the murder of Abdulghani al-Kikli, also known as Ghaniwa, the head of the UN-backed government’s Stability Support Apparatus (SSA). He was reportedly shot inside the headquarters of the 444th Combat Brigade in the south of the city, following what local media described as failed negotiations.
According to Al Jazeera, gunfire and explosions were heard in the city’s Abu Salim and Mashrou neighborhoods. Witnesses said armed forces from the 111th and 444th brigades stormed the SSA headquarters. Al Arabiya reported the presence of militias from Misrata and other cities approaching the capital.
Graphic images circulating online appeared to show multiple casualties, though the full extent of injuries and deaths remained unclear. Al Jazeera reported that at least six people were wounded.
Fighting has erupted in the Libyan city of Tripoli following the assassination of the head of the Stability Support Apparatus. Multiple key installations appear to have been captured by different groups in the middle of the chaos. The airport has been closed.#Breaking#Libyapic.twitter.com/a6OeXNXS43
— גשש צבאי (@tzvai_tracker) May 12, 2025
Libya’s Ministry of Interior had earlier warned civilians to stay indoors for their safety. The government later declared it had regained control over the Abu Salim district, a known stronghold of Ghaniwa’s forces.
On Tuesday, the interior ministry announced that the situation in Tripoli was now “safe and stable,” and that security agencies were “doing their duty efficiently in maintaining security and public order.”
Libya has remained fragile since a NATO-backed uprising ousted former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to his execution. Rival factions control different parts of the once-prosperous North African country, with rival governments in Tripoli and the city of Tobruk.
Tripoli has seen periodic clashes between armed groups, with militia violence killing 55 people in August 2023. In February, Cabinet Affairs Minister Adel Juma survived an assassination attempt.
Late on Monday, the UN mission in Libya said it was concerned about the escalating security situation and called for an immediate end to hostilities, as well as the protection of civilians.
