Fragile truce in Libya after three days of violence in Tripoli.

On Thursday, May 15, the **Libyan capital** experienced a fragile truce after three days of **violent fighting** in densely populated districts among powerful **armed groups** that the Tripoli government is attempting to dismantle.

Schools and the **University of Tripoli** remained closed, along with the **Mitiga Airport**, the only airport serving the capital. Many businesses kept their curtains down, with only a few grocery stores open along the main streets, according to **journalists from the Agency France-Presse (AFP)**.

The recent escalation of violence in the city has raised **alarms**. The **UN agency for migration** highlighted the “serious risk of massive movement” and danger for civilians. The **International Organization for Migration (IOM)** called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the security and well-being of civilians in line with **international humanitarian law**. They also expressed concerns regarding the mobilization of armed groups in the surrounding regions. At least six embassies, including those of the **United States** and the **European Union**, expressed their concerns.

**Ankara** was preparing to evacuate **Turkish nationals** living in Tripoli. The Turkish Embassy announced on Facebook that they are considering organizing a **Turkish Airlines flight** between **Misrata** and **Istanbul** for Turkish citizens wishing to leave Tripoli. They are also working to ensure transport between Tripoli and Misrata, a large port city located 200 kilometers east of the capital. Supporting the Tripoli government, Turkey called for an immediate cease-fire on Wednesday evening.

“Decisive Step”

The clashes that devastated the heart of **Tripoli** ignited on Monday evening following the announcement of the assassination of **Abdel Ghani al-Kikli**, known as “Gheniwa,” the leader of the **Stability Support Apparatus (SSA)**. Analysts noted that his power had become a threat to the head of the Tripoli government, **Abdel Hamid Dbeibah**. The chief militiaman was reportedly killed while involved in mediation at a barracks affiliated with the **444 Brigade**, a rival faction in the southeast of the capital.

Fierce fighting persisted until Tuesday between SSA forces and factions loyal to Dbeibah, with at least six casualties reported. Despite a pause in violence, SSA supporters issued a statement early Thursday, indicating that the death of their chief only reinforced their “determination to pursue those responsible, no matter where they are.”

Since the fall of **Muammar Gaddafi** in 2011, Libya has been plagued by fratricidal clashes and is governed by two rival administrations: the Dbeibah government in the west recognized by the **UN**, and another in the east led by **Marshal Khalifa Haftar**. Dbeibah addressed the assassination, labeling it a “decisive step towards eliminating irregular groups” and establishing the notion that “there is no place in Libya for state institutions,” asserting his grip amid years of tolerance towards armed factions controlling the capital.

Event in Tripoli

Significant tensions persisted as residents of the **Abou Slim district**, a stronghold of the SSA, demonstrated outside the group’s headquarters, demanding the expulsion of its factions from the area. Gunfire erupted Wednesday evening, with no assessments reported.

From Tuesday to Wednesday, further violent clashes erupted between a powerful armed group known as **Radaa** (“deterrence”) and the 444 Brigade linked to Dbeibah’s government. No casualties were reported, but the **Libyan Red Crescent** did recover a body from a vehicle in the city center.

The dissolution of Radaa caused unrest in its area of influence, **Souq al-Joumaa**, where over 500 demonstrators rallied on Wednesday night, calling for Dbeibah’s ousting.

Unlike the SSA group, whose officials are sought by the **International Criminal Court** for various abuses, the Radaa group is relatively respected. Even so, they manage certain illegal prisons and maintain a Salafist presence that combats drug trafficking and jihadist terrorism.

“Whether these clashes lead to undermining or consolidating Dbeibah’s authority remains an open question,”