Head of UN-backed governments security force reportedly killed

Armed clashes erupted in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on Monday evening following reports of the assassination of a senior military commander.

According to Al Jazeera, Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, head of the UN-backed government's Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), was killed in a firefight in southern Tripoli. The incident reportedly took place inside the headquarters of the 444th Combat Brigade after "failed negotiations."

Local media reported fighting and troop movements in the Abu Salim and Mashrou neighborhoods. Al Jazeera cited witnesses as saying that soldiers from the 111th and 444th brigades stormed the SSA headquarters, with gunfire and explosions heard in various parts of the city.

According to Al Arabiya, militias from Misrata and other cities began moving toward Tripoli last week.

The SSA was established in 2021 by the Government of National Unity to maintain security in the capital and combat organized crime.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was "closely monitoring reports of the military build-up and escalating tensions in Tripoli and the broader western region."

"We urgently call on all parties to immediately de-escalate the situation, refrain from any provocative actions, and resolve disputes through dialogue," the mission said in a statement.

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(RT.com)