Iran Urges End to Violence As Clashes Erupt in Libya
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran has called for an immediate halt to armed clashes in Tripoli, as fighting between rival Libyan factions intensifies despite a declared ceasefire.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a statement Thursday expressed concern over the continued violence in the Libyan capital and urged all parties to restore calm and pursue dialogue.
It comes as fighting escalated between the Radaa armed group and the 444 Brigade, loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibeh.
Baqaei urged all parties involved in the confrontations to help restore calm to Libya, pursue the path of dialogue and interaction to resolve their differences, and not allow destructive foreign interference in Libya's affairs.
The spokesman also expressed sympathy with the families of those killed and injured in the violence.
Clashes began Monday after the death of Abdelghani al-Kikli, head of the Stabilization Support Apparatus, whose forces were swiftly overrun by rival groups loyal to al-Dbeibeh.
The unity government claimed to have reasserted control by Tuesday, and a ceasefire was announced Wednesday.
However, local media and eyewitnesses reported renewed gunfire later that day.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) warned that the situation could “spiral out of control”.
“Attacking and damaging civilian infrastructure, physically harming civilians, and jeopardizing the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under international law,” UNSMIL stated. “Those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”
Libya has been embroiled in a political conflict since long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, leading to the emergence of several armed groups.
Despite a 2020 ceasefire, the country remains divided, with the Government of National Unity ruling in Tripoli and the country's northwest and the Government of National Stability ruling in Benghazi in the east.
