Tripoli descended into violence on Monday May 12 night following the mysterious killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli—also known as Ghniwa—the influential commander of the Stability Support Force.
His sudden death triggered heavy clashes in Abu Salim and Mashrou,areas considered strongholds of his faction. The confrontations involved a powerful coalition of armed groups including the Misrata Joint Force,444 Brigade,111 Brigade,and the Directorate Support Force,all aligning against Ghniwa’s loyalists.
In the absence of an official explanation for either Ghniwa’s death or the coordinated armed response,Tripoli’s fragile security situation rapidly deteriorated. Authorities declared a state of emergency as fears mounted over further escalation. Malek Marsit,spokesman for the Ambulance and Emergency Centre,urged residents near conflict zones to shelter indoors and announced the readiness of emergency units to evacuate trapped civilians. The Ministry of Interior echoed this plea,cautioning citizens in western Tripoli to remain indoors amid the unrest.
In response to the spiraling tensions,Mitiga International Airport began emergency evacuation procedures,relocating aircraft to Misrata as a safety measure. The dramatic escalation highlights the volatility of Tripoli’s militia-dominated power structure,where shifts in loyalty and sudden violence continue to undermine national efforts toward unity and stability. Ghniwa’s death,cloaked in mystery,threatens to unleash a wider reckoning among Libya’s rival factions unless immediate steps are taken to de-escalate.
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