The United Nations in Libya has called for an immediate ceasefire following the 'outbreak' of violence in the capital city on Monday.
According to a statement released on the UN's "X" platform, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Tripoli, highlighting intense armed clashes in densely populated civilian areas.
The mission urged all parties to halt hostilities and restore calm, reminding them of their responsibility to protect civilians at all times.
It also warned that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes.
Gunfire was reported in Tripoli amid claims that prominent commander Abdulghani Kikli of the Support Force Apparatus (SSA), one of the powerful armed groups in the capital, had been killed, as reported by Reuters.
Libya has been embroiled in political turmoil since the ousting of long-time dictator Moammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to the emergence of various armed factions.
Although a ceasefire in 2020 brought some degree of peace, the country remains unstable and divided, with the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) controlling Tripoli and the northwest, while the National Stability Government governs the eastern city of Benghazi.
 |
| UN calls for immediate ceasefire. |