Renewed violence challenges fragile ceasefire in Tripoli

Fresh clashes erupted in Tripoli on Wednesday between two major armed factions, despite a declared ceasefire just a day earlier, according to a security source. The fighting involved the Radaa Force and the 444 Brigade, with confrontations taking place in key areas such as the port.

Although hostilities diminished by late Wednesday, some parts of the city remained tense. Local TV outlets and residents reported that while certain bakeries resumed operations, schools stayed closed. The Libyan Red Crescent recovered at least one body from a main road, but no official death toll was released.

On Monday night, intense gunfire and explosions had already shaken several neighborhoods in Tripoli, killing at least six people. Officials described the combat as "urban warfare," involving a range of weaponry from light arms to heavy artillery in some areas.

Libya continues to face political and military divisions following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted long-time leader Moamer Kadhafi. The country remains split between a UN-recognized government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east supported by the Haftar family.

The 444 Brigade operates mainly in southern Tripoli and aligns with Dbeibah, while the Radaa Force controls parts of the east and manages critical state infrastructure. On Wednesday, Radaa reportedly brought in reinforcements to challenge the 444 Brigade in southern and western parts of the capital.

Protests broke out in the Souq el-Joumaa area—a stronghold of Radaa—with over 500 demonstrators denouncing Dbeibah’s government and opposing the potential dissolution of the 444 Brigade. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Abdelghani al-Kikli, leader of the Stability and Support Apparatus, was killed in a 444 Brigade-controlled facility.

Sources indicated that armed groups from nearby Zawiya were moving into Tripoli to support Radaa, which is known for detaining smugglers and Islamic State affiliates. Expert Jalel Harchaoui warned the current conflict might represent one of the most serious threats to Tripoli in years, as various factions attempt to gain influence in the capital’s center. He called the situation a “territorial reshuffle.”

Turkey, a backer of the Tripoli government, urged all parties to commit to a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and to resolve disputes through dialogue. On Tuesday, the Dbeibah-led administration claimed the situation was under control and issued executive orders dissolving certain armed group-run institutions—excluding the 444 Brigade.

However, renewed fighting signaled a potentially deeper and more destructive conflict. Despite ceasefire announcements, gunfire continued in the city’s western neighborhoods.

International responses followed swiftly. Embassies from Germany, France, the US, Britain, and Italy jointly called for civilian protection. The United Nations also expressed alarm over the violence in densely populated areas, demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the creation of safe corridors for trapped civilians.