Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TRIPOLI, May 14 (Xinhua) — Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) declared a ceasefire on Wednesday following intense overnight clashes between rival armed groups in the capital’s downtown and residential areas, prompting international calls to protect civilians and prevent further escalation.
Fighting broke out overnight between forces loyal to Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh, including the 444th Brigade, and forces linked to Special Deterrence Forces chief Abdel Raouf Kara.
According to local residents, the shooting continued until the morning, and the Libyan Red Crescent reported finding a dead person in the center of Tripoli. The extent of the human casualties has not yet been established.
The UN Support Mission in Libya condemned the violence and attacks on civilian areas and warned that damage to non-combatants and infrastructure “may amount to crimes under international law.”
The GNA Defense Ministry said the ceasefire had come into effect by midday. Buffer forces had been deployed to separate the conflicting parties and stabilize the situation in hot spots.
The fighting followed deadly clashes on May 12 between forces loyal to A.H. Dbeibah and the Stability Support Apparatus following the killing of the head of the organisation, Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, better known as Ghaniwa.
A senior official said A.G. al-Kikli was killed in a compound controlled by the 444th Brigade, which is commanded by Mahmoud Hamza, a militia leader linked to A.H. Dbeibah. A.G. al-Kikli’s death triggered a wave of clashes that left at least six people dead, according to security sources.
More than a decade after the 2011 overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains a deeply divided country. The government in the east relies on the Libyan National Army, led by commander-in-chief Khalifa Haftar, while the UN recognizes the GNA, which controls the west. Meanwhile, rival militia groups loyal to the western government are also battling for power. –0–