Libya engulfed in chaos following top security official's killing

CAIRO – 13 May 2025: The Libyan capital, Tripoli, has been gripped by a state of chaos and unrest in recent hours following violent clashes sparked by the killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, known as "Ghaniwa," the head of the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council, according to Libyan media outlets. Reports indicate the sound of artillery and heavy weapons fire in the Ain Zara and Salah al-Din areas, located in the suburbs of Tripoli.

In the same context, activists and social media users widely circulated a video documenting the moment of storming the headquarters of the Stability Support Apparatus in Tripoli. Libyan media sources reported that Abdul Ghani al-Kikli was killed inside the headquarters of "Brigade 444 Combat," affiliated with the Tripoli Military Zone, on Monday evening, as reported by Al-Qahera News channel.

Libya: Partial Power Outage in Areas of Tripoli

Media reports, including the flight tracking website Flightradar24, indicated the suspension of departure and arrival traffic at Mitiga International Airport in Libya. There are also reports of a curfew being declared in the capital, Tripoli. Libyan media also reported a partial power outage in areas of the capital, Tripoli, according to Al-Qahera News channel.

Libya: Complete Control Over Abu Salim Area in Tripoli

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity in Libya affirmed that it is making efforts to control security and contain the situation. The administration of Mitiga Airport confirmed that airlines have been transferred to Misrata Airport as a precautionary measure. The Ministry of Defense of the Government of National Unity also confirmed that complete control has been established over the Abu Salim area in Tripoli, according to Al-Qahera News channel.

Libya: Calls to Exercise Caution and Not Leave Residences

Regarding international reactions, TASS news agency reported that the Russian Embassy in Libya was not affected by the clashes erupting in Tripoli. Media outlets reported that the Tunisian Embassy in Tripoli called on the Tunisian community to exercise caution and not leave their places of residence.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Tripoli, with heavy weapons fighting intensifying in densely populated civilian neighborhoods. UNSMIL called on all parties to cease fighting immediately and restore calm.

Libya: Mobilization and Military Movements Affiliated with Misrata and Zawiya

The clashes followed a mobilization and military movements affiliated with the cities of Misrata, Zawiya, and Zintan towards the capital, Tripoli, after escalating disputes between the Stability Support Apparatus and the Misrata Joint Force, despite warnings issued by UNSMIL.

The UN mission had called on Libyan parties to "avoid the use of force in resolving the conflict, stop the escalation, and calm the situation," stressing that it is closely monitoring reports regarding military movements and the increasing tension in Tripoli and the western region, urging all parties to "urgently de-escalate, refrain from any provocative actions, and work to settle disputes through constructive dialogue."