Tripoli Tense but Quiet: Libya Calms After Fierce Clashes and Sudden Ceasefire

Tripoli, Libya | May 14, 2025

The conflict erupted between rival militia groups, with forces loyal to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s unity government — notably the powerful 444 and 111 Brigades — clashing with the influential Special Deterrence Force (Rada), one of the last armed factions not fully aligned with the administration.

Government forces moved quickly to reassert control, deploying neutral police units to protect sensitive locations across the capital. The Defense Ministry reported that efforts to stabilize the city are ongoing, even as gunfire subsides.

International concern mounted rapidly. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a stern warning, condemning attacks on civilians and reminding all parties that such actions could amount to war crimes under international law. Egypt also called for immediate restraint, urging Libya’s factions to “prioritize national unity and civilian safety.”

Although the ceasefire appears to be holding for now, analysts warn the situation remains volatile. Tripoli’s brief calm could unravel unless political reconciliation and a broader disarmament framework are urgently pursued.

“The risk of full-blown conflict remains high unless militia influence is curbed and civilian governance restored,” one regional security expert told iNewsAfrica.

The recent unrest underscores Libya’s ongoing instability more than a decade after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, highlighting the fragility of its transitional government and the country’s need for sustained diplomatic engagement.

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