A temporary calm has settled over the city of Gharyan in northwestern Libya following armed clashes involving medium-caliber weapons between two factions aligned with Tripoli authorities.
Violent clashes erupted in the city of Gharyan, south of Tripoli, between a militia loyal to Ghnewa al-Kakli, commander of the Stability Support Apparatus that is affiliated with the Presidential Council, and the 444 Combat Brigade, which is part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The fighting was triggered by the arrest of eight members of the 444 Combat Brigade from Gharyan by the 555 Brigade, a force under al-Kakli's command. The 444 Combat Brigade is led by Mahmoud Hamza, the head of military intelligence in western Libya.
The clashes have ceased for now, but tension remains high as armed militias continue to vie for control and expand their influence on the ground.
In an update on security matters, GNU Chief of Staff General Mohamed Haddad, met with mayors from Zuwara, Nalut, Jadu, Yefren, and Al-Qalaa, along with several officers and military personnel, to discuss security issues in these areas.
Haddad assured the mayors that the military supports the legitimate demands of the people in these regions and is committed to helping stabilize them and all of Libya.
In a separate development, the UN mission in Libya stated that its head, Hanna Tetteh, accompanied by Deputy Special Representative and Resident Coordinator Aeneas Chuma, met with a group of African ambassadors in Tripoli on Wednesday as part of their initial round of consultations with the diplomatic corps.
The mission’s statement explained that the meeting, hosted by the Ghanaian Ambassador in Tripoli, focused on the work of the mission and provided an update on the Advisory Committee's activities.
It also reviewed regional challenges influenced by the developments in Libya.
The consultations emphasized enhancing coordination between the United Nations and the African Union to strengthen cooperation on shared issues, including regional security, migration, and supporting national reconciliation in Libya.
