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Clashes Erupt near Tripoli Soon after New Libya Govt Approved

Libya's Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dbeibeh speaks during a press conference in the capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Getty Images)
Libya's Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dbeibeh speaks during a press conference in the capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Getty Images)
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Clashes Erupt near Tripoli Soon after New Libya Govt Approved

Libya's Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dbeibeh speaks during a press conference in the capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Getty Images)
Libya's Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dbeibeh speaks during a press conference in the capital, Tripoli, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Getty Images)

Clashes between rival militias broke out again in the Libyan capital Tripoli soon after parliament granted the interim government its vote of confidence.

The fighting took place between militias loyal to the outgoing Government of National Accord (GNA).

Local media and witnesses reported that Turkish drones were flying at a low altitude over the city of Tajoura east of Tripoli. The aircraft had taken off from the capital’s Mitiga airport on a surveillance mission.

Tanks and military vehicles were also spotted in Tripoli amid the spike in tensions caused by the militia clashes.

In Tajoura, rival militias amassed their members and shut main roads after a dispute erupted between the Tajoura Lions, led by Ali Dreder, and Dhaman Brigade, led by Nader al-Azrak. The dispute broke out when the Dhaman Brigade tried to abduct a member of the rival militia.

GNA Defense Minister Salah al-Namroush had in October ordered the dismantling of both militias, but to no avail.

Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh and new Presidential Council head Mohammed al-Menfi did not issue a statement over the Tripoli unrest.

Dbeibeh tweeted, however, that his government will take “very strong” decisions that will favor the people and nation.

He is expected to be officially sworn into office in the eastern city of Benghazi.

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Hezbollah Reiterates Its Refusal to Enter the War

Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
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Hezbollah Reiterates Its Refusal to Enter the War

Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 

The US military intervention alongside Israel in its war against Iran has sparked growing concern in Lebanon, mixing fear with uncertainty about what lies ahead, especially as the region awaits Iran’s response.

Lebanese citizens are questioning whether Iran will retaliate solely against Israel or also strike nearby US military bases. Some speculate that Iran might avoid targeting American bases in neighboring countries that have shown solidarity with Tehran, as maintaining these relationships could help Iran push for an end to the war and a return to US-Iranian dialogue.

Despite mounting regional tension, Hezbollah continues to avoid direct military involvement. This position aligns with the recent statements of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who affirmed that Hezbollah will not intervene.

While some interpreted Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s pledge of “full support to Iran in any way we deem appropriate” as a divergence, sources say the party is fully aligned with Berri.

Berri maintains that dialogue between Washington and Tehran is the only path to halting the conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear file. His stance is echoed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and other political actors.

US envoy Thomas Barrack, currently stationed in Türkiye, reportedly discussed these matters with Lebanese officials and promised to return in three weeks, hoping for progress toward a ceasefire and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for weapons to be under the exclusive control of the Lebanese state.

According to sources, the US escalation has prompted behind-the-scenes consultations between Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and Lebanese state officials. These talks aim to evaluate the situation and ensure Lebanon remains out of the regional conflict.

Hezbollah remains firm in its decision not to engage militarily, refusing to offer Israel a pretext to expand the war into Lebanon. Despite internal solidarity with Iran, Hezbollah is keenly aware that joining the war would not shift the military balance, which now involves advanced weaponry beyond its capabilities.

The sources added that the party is also mindful of Lebanese Shiite public sentiment, which favors stability over another devastating war. Memories of past conflicts, including the toll of Hezbollah’s support for Gaza, linger. Fears of displacement and economic ruin are driving many in Beirut’s southern suburbs to sell their homes, often at steep losses.