UN 'gravely alarmed' by military mobilization in Libya's capital
The UN Support Mission in Libya expressed concern over recent military movements and potential armed confrontations in Tripoli.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a statement expressing grave alarm at the escalating tensions and military mobilizations within Tripoli.
Reports indicate that armed vehicles have been moving into the capital from Misrata, located approximately 200 kilometers away.
Witnesses and online videos corroborate accounts of gunfire in the city on Monday night.
UNSMIL warns that these rapidly escalating tensions and increased militarization pose a significant risk for an armed confrontation within the capital.
The mission calls upon all actors involved to refrain from any preparations for violence, emphasizing that such actions could lead to a 'lose-lose' war.
Residents of Tripoli, such as Sabiha Mohamad, describe hearing gunfire but note that the fear of potential violence outweighs the immediate harm.
Currently, there are no official reports of casualties, and it remains unclear which parties initiated the gunfire.
Mohamad explains that the community is cautious and vigilant due to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Libya has been divided since 2011, when NATO-backed forces overthrew Muammar Qaddafi's regime.
The country now hosts two competing administrations: the UN-recognized government led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and a rival administration in the east.
In May, Tripoli experienced days of violent clashes between armed groups resulting in at least eight fatalities, according to the UN.
This violence was partly provoked by Prime Minister Dbeibah's move to dismantle various armed factions that he deemed more powerful than the state.
The tensions have escalated further between government-aligned forces and Radaa, a prominent rival faction controlling Mitiga airport and parts of eastern Tripoli.
Last month, UNSMIL proposed a roadmap focusing on general elections, institutional unification, and the establishment of a politically viable electoral framework alongside a new unified government.
Reports indicate that armed vehicles have been moving into the capital from Misrata, located approximately 200 kilometers away.
Witnesses and online videos corroborate accounts of gunfire in the city on Monday night.
UNSMIL warns that these rapidly escalating tensions and increased militarization pose a significant risk for an armed confrontation within the capital.
The mission calls upon all actors involved to refrain from any preparations for violence, emphasizing that such actions could lead to a 'lose-lose' war.
Residents of Tripoli, such as Sabiha Mohamad, describe hearing gunfire but note that the fear of potential violence outweighs the immediate harm.
Currently, there are no official reports of casualties, and it remains unclear which parties initiated the gunfire.
Mohamad explains that the community is cautious and vigilant due to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Libya has been divided since 2011, when NATO-backed forces overthrew Muammar Qaddafi's regime.
The country now hosts two competing administrations: the UN-recognized government led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and a rival administration in the east.
In May, Tripoli experienced days of violent clashes between armed groups resulting in at least eight fatalities, according to the UN.
This violence was partly provoked by Prime Minister Dbeibah's move to dismantle various armed factions that he deemed more powerful than the state.
The tensions have escalated further between government-aligned forces and Radaa, a prominent rival faction controlling Mitiga airport and parts of eastern Tripoli.
Last month, UNSMIL proposed a roadmap focusing on general elections, institutional unification, and the establishment of a politically viable electoral framework alongside a new unified government.
