Clashes Erupt in Tripoli After Death of Security Official

The fighting was provoked by the death of a local authority, Orda.kz reports, citing DW.

Armed clashes in Tripoli began after the death of the head of the Security and Stability Administration (SSA) under the Libyan Presidential Council, Abdelghani al-Kikli.

Shootings between the military and armed supporters of the SSA took place on the night of May 13. A state of emergency was declared in Tripoli, and the airport was temporarily closed.

After the fighting began, the UN mission in Libya called on the parties to cease fire.

The mission calls on all parties to cease fire immediately and restore peace. We remind all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and warn that attacks on civilians and civilian objects may escalate into war crimes,the UN mission said in a statement. 

On the morning of May 13, the Libyan Ministry of Defense announced the end of the military operation, although, as noted, without providing any evidence. They claimed control over the Abu Salim district.

The Presidential Council took power in western Libya in 2014, along with a UN-recognized transitional government. Eastern Libya is controlled by forces aligned with the parliament.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin