A police officer was killed during an attempted assault on the government in Tripoli.

Tensions in **Tripoli** recently escalated leading to tragic consequences. On May 16, the government of national unity confirmed the **death** of a police officer who was securing the Prime Minister’s office. He was reportedly shot by unknown assailants and **succumbed to his injuries**, as reported in a press release from the government of national unity.

The government indicated that it had thwarted an attempt to attack the building by a group of demonstrators who had attempted to launch **Molotov cocktails**. Videos circulated online show youths running and taking cover while gunfire echoes near the government’s headquarters, although these videos have not been authenticated by the **France-Presse agency**.

Eight Dead in the Clashes of Previous Days

In the days leading up to these violent events, thousands of demonstrators had peacefully gathered on the **Place des Martyrs** in the heart of **Tripoli**, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister **Abdelhamid Dbeibah**. This demonstration was more than just a call for change; it was a clear expression of public discontent with the current government.

In its statement, the government expressed gratitude to the Interior Ministry for its professionalism in maintaining security during this critical event and ensuring the safety of the participants.

Prior to the protest, the **United Nations (UN)** mission in Libya had urged the authorities to respect citizens’ **right to demonstrate peacefully**. Following a period of intense violence, life in **Tripoli** began to return to **normal**, albeit amid heightened tensions after clashes between armed groups left at least eight people dead, according to UN reports.

Resignation of Government Members

The political scene remains fluid. Following the significant demonstration in the city center, local media reported the **resignation** of six ministers and vice-ministers from the Dbeibah government, with two ministers confirming their departure via video.

Khaled El-Mechri, the President of the **High Council of State**, likened to a Senate, called upon Aguila Saleh, the President of the Eastern Parliament, to deliberate on **designating a new temporary head of government**. This indicates potential shifts in Libya’s political landscape.

Libya, plagued by divisions since the fall of dictator **Muammar Gaddafi** in 2011, remains governed by two rival administrations: that of Mr. Dbeibah in the west, recognized internationally, and another in the east affiliated with **Marshal Khalifa Haftar**.