Libya’s interim Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, faced another serious security test on Tuesday after violent armed clashes erupted between militias and armed factions aligned with the government in the cities of Sorman and Zawiya, west of Tripoli.
The fighting later subsided in Sorman following the deployment of forces from the 52nd Brigade, while tensions eased in Zawiya.
The clashes resumed early Tuesday morning between members of the Anti-Security Threats Apparatus, led by Mohammed Bahroun and fighters from the 103rd Infantry Battalion, known as the “Al-Silaa Battalion,” commanded by Othman Al-Lahab, with the participation of the militia led by Mohannad Suwaisi.
According to eyewitnesses, the fighting lasted for around four hours in residential neighborhoods and involved medium and heavy weapons.
Libyan social media pages reported the use of a drone during the clashes. Reports also indicated that at least five members of the Al-Silaa Battalion were killed after being targeted by a drone reportedly operated by Suwaisi’s militia.
While forces affiliated with the GNU have previously used drones in western Libya during operations against alleged smuggling networks, local and security sources say that the use of such weapons by relatively small local militias in internal confrontations marks a significant escalation in the methods of warfare between armed groups in Zawiya and Sorman, increasing the risks to civilians living near the conflict zones.
Forces loyal to Suwaisi and Bahroun took control of southern Sorman and the headquarters of the Stability Support Apparatus, while armored vehicles spread through residential streets, causing widespread panic among residents. An armored vehicle belonging to Salem Latif, an ally of the Al-Silaa Battalion, was also seized.
As clashes expanded to the vicinity of the Sorman Central Prison, prompting a large number of inmates to escape, the Judicial Police Authority in Zawiya called on all escapees to immediately surrender themselves at any branch facility, in accordance with instructions from the authority’s chief, the Attorney General, and the Zawiya Public Prosecutor.
The fighting stopped as conflict-resolution forces from the 52nd Brigade, commanded by Mahmoud Bin Rajab, entered Sorman and deployed in front of the city prison in an effort to contain tensions and restore calm following hours of armed confrontations.
The Sorman Municipality later announced that life was gradually returning to normal in the city and along the coastal area following the deployment of these forces to reinforce security and stability. It noted that conditions had become relatively stable and that no further clashes or major security incidents had been reported.
Earlier, the municipality had suspended operations in all public offices and facilities and declared Tuesday an exceptional holiday. It condemned the unlawful violence, held the parties responsible fully accountable, and urged residents to remain indoors except in cases of absolute necessity. Citizens were also advised to contact Red Crescent teams if needed.
For its part, the Libyan Red Crescent in Sorman announced that it had transported a Sudanese woman in labor to Sabratha Teaching Hospital to ensure her safety. It urged residents to follow safety instructions and contact emergency teams when necessary.
In neighboring Zawiya, a fire broke out in a shop in the Harsha district, while the coastal highway linking Tripoli and Tunisia was completely closed. The Emergency and Ambulance Service warned people against entering the area due to concerns for civilian safety and the security of oil facilities.
These developments prompted the Zawiya Municipality to suspend work across all municipal departments on Tuesday to protect employees and staff. The municipality warned that several roads, including the route leading to the Zawiya Oil Refinery, were unsafe because of the ongoing clashes and urged citizens to avoid using them.
Zawiya has witnessed similar clashes in recent weeks, which temporarily halted refinery operations and led to the evacuation of the port amid warnings about threats to critical infrastructure and civilian lives.
Located about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli, Zawiya is home to Libya’s largest operating oil refinery. Sorman lies roughly 25 kilometers further west along the same coastal highway, making it easier for tensions and violence to spread between the two cities.
