PM of Libyan Salvation government driven from his headquarters in Tripoli

There were many different clashes taking place in Tripoli last night but one involved the Rixos hotel and adjacent buildings that are the headquarters of the Salvation Government and Khalifa Ghwell its leader.

Khalifa Ghwell attempted a coup against the UN-brokered Government of National Accord (GNA) last October. While he did not succeed, he and his supporters were able to take over the Rixos hotel and adjacent residences. They have even been involved in opening a power plant and of part of the repaired Tripoli International Airport.

A summary of the situation in Tripoli as of today is given by the Libya Observer. After clashes last night, the Rixos hotel is now said to be under control of the Ghaniewa armed brigade loyal to the Presidential Council (PC) of the GNA. There is no traffic and several roads are blocked and there are several security checkpoints. The Libya Herald reports that the pro-Ghwell were driven out by the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade of Haytem Tajouri who joined forces with Ghaniewa led by Abdul al-Kikli. Ghaniewa's forces are now said to be protecting the hotel and associated buildings. PM of the Salvation government, Khalifa Ghwell is reported to have been slightly injured before he and his guards retreated under heavy fire.

Since Ghwell's forces are mostly from Misrata there were allegations that Tajouri, had deliberately targeted homes of those originally from Misrata, but Tajouri has denied this. Al-Nabaa TV an opponent of the GNA but also of Haftar was attacked and burned. Some believe that Al-Nabaa is controlled by Abdulhakim Belhadj.

The Habda hospital near the Rixos complex suffered a fire in the children's ward caused by the nearby fighting. The children were being moved to the nearby Tripoli Medical Centre

The fighting in Tripoli shows that the GNA is weak but it is also weakening those associated with Ghwell who are strongly opposed to Haftar. With the retaking of the oil ports and a continuing offensive against the Benghazi Defense Brigades, Haftar appears to be strengthening his position. However, he has his troubles. According to the Libyan Observer, Haftar's Arrest and Investigation Squad led by Ahmed Gharor was ambushed in the city of Ajdabiya. Sources say that Gharor was killed among other fighters in the squad as a result.

The Tripoli clashes make it even more evident that to be successful Tripoli must solve its militia problem. The most urgent security need for the GNA is to replace the numerous militias in its area of control, especially in Tripoli, by one army and police force. Perhaps the Salvation Government will disappear from the scene at least temporarily as it has done before.

Clashes break out between militia groups in Tripoli stop briefly after mediation

According to the Libya Observer, mediation by security leaders, political activists, and a number of Tripoli and area district elders stopped clashes between rival militia in Tripoli that had been happening over the the last two days.

The clashes are described in a recent Digital Journal article. There are disagreements among different analysts about the significance of the clashes with some feeling that there was an attempt to deal with radical Islamist militia opposed to the GNA but one main clash was between militia associated with two different ministries of the GNA itself. An uneasy calm settled on Tripoli early Saturday.

According to the Libya Observer::The mediation resulted in an agreement that obliged the two armed groups in Al-Nser Park in Bab Benghashir area to leave and then hand the location to the Presidential Security Personnel of the Salvation Government before it goes under the control of Youth and Sports Ministry later.

A tweet reported that the Tripoli Medical Center received 7 bodies of civilians killed by indiscriminate firing and shelling. Another tweet notes that the Government of National Accord had nothing to do with the mediation: "#Libya | UN-backed Unity Gov't try to take credit for the ceasefire in Tripoli. Truth: Halbous+Tarhona's Kani mediated & achieved peace"

While the Observer talks of normal living conditions returning to the streets of Tripoli, tweets are coming in already that indicate clashes may be breaking out again. One tweet says: "Things r very tense family's near the forest being told to leave and sand barriers are being built hate to say it but it looks like round 2" The reference is to an area where there were clashes earlier. Although there were clashes near the Rixos hotel complex where coup plotters associated with the rival Salvation Government are located, the headquarters itself was not attacked in the clashes. The Libya Observer says the clashes took place near the Guest Places Premises, associated with Rixos hotel, and Abu Salim area in the center of the city. Roads were blocked leading to the Guest Places, and Habda Hospital.

Another tweet notes: "‏@fredwalton216 @NadiaR_LY Fwiw-Heavy weapons allegedly back on the streets near the Rixos. Family's near Forest told to leave & sand barriers being built." Two recent tweets suggest that some Misrata militias may be on the verge of clashing with a main militia in Tripoli led by Haitem Tajuri. One says: New statement by Misrata katibas also refers to abduction of Misrata fighter Lekraik by UN-allied militias in Tripoli #Libya two weeks ago. The other warns: "#Libya: After this statement, these Misrata katibas (brigades) gave Haitem Tajuri 24 hours to release Lekraik. The deadline is up tonight." Another tweet also suggests that opposition is growing against Tajuri or Al-Tajouri: " Breaking:number of #Tripoli revolutionary brigade top leadership release a statement denouncing commander Hatham altajouri and his actions." Clashes could very well be breaking out again. The eastern commander Marshal Khalifa Haftar is no doubt quite happy to see those he regards as his enemies busy fighting among themselves and weakening the UN-backed Government of National Accord, which he rejects, even further.

Militias clash in Libyan capital Tripoli

Fighting has broken out in the Libyan capital Tripoli between various militia groups. The Libya Observer describes murky clashes sweeping through the city. There are many competing tweets describing the situation.

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Descriptions of what is happening should be treated with some caution until confirmed. There are several articles however reporting on events already. The Libya Observer reports that there is a heavy presence of tanks and armed vehicles on the streets with both heavy and medium weapons in the areas of Bengashirf, Abu Salim, Sidi Al-Masri and near the Rixos Hotel where those who are part of the recent attempt at a coup from the former Salvation Government are in control. Eyewitnesses said: “Violent clashes between armed groups took place in those areas and the sounds of explosions were heard in there as well, plus there was a thick cloud of smoke above Bab Benghashir and Abu Salim areas, making the residents near the clashes panic.” They added that some houses and stores had been damaged by the clashes but did not know whether there were injuries or deaths from the clashes. Given there are clashes near the Rixos hotel, it would seem that at least some of the clashes are between forces loyal to the UN-brokered Government of National Accord and those loyal to the former Salvation Government. However, sources close to that government claim that they were not involved in the clashes and were simply taking up positions close to their headquarters to secure them.

There are still clashes ongoing and some roads are still closed. Other clashes in the east of the city between the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigades (TRB) and another armed militia that controls the area's military camps is ongoing in the Arada area in eastern Tripoli. The armed group attacked has been involved in murders, banditry, kidnapping and smuggling of illegal immigrants according to the brigades. The brigades claimed that they killed the commander of the militia and three of his fighters. The group is associated with the GNA Central Security Department of the Interior Ministry. Nevertheless, the brigades led by Haitham Al-Tajouri said: “This armed force is a hub for criminal cells and organized murders in Tripoli.” The brigades have taken over buildings they used to control. In August they took over the Libyan intelligence headquarters.

The Libya Herald claims that the clashes are pre-emptive strikes by militias who are loosely associated with the Presidency Council (PC) of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) designed to crush militants loyal to the Grand Mufti Sadek al-Ghariani, Khalifa Ghwell PM of the former Salvation Government and to the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG). The Herald claims a number of civilians have already been killed in the Abu Sleem area. Local militia, led by Abdul al-Kikli, also known as Ghneiwa, were fighting against a number of Misratan and other units who support Ghwell. Seven bodies were taken to a local hospital. Fighting was said to be still going on in the evening.

The Herald also reported clashes around the Rixos hotel complex. It claims that a convoy of the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades which is allied with RADA (Deterrence) forces led by Abdul Kara was seen to be heading for the complex occupied by the Salvation Government supporters. It was thought that they were aiming to eject those holding the complex but if the Libya Observer is correct, then this never happened.

The TRB has apologized on Facebook to Tripoli citizens but claimed that given the situation there had to be a fight in the city. The TRB has gradually been expanding the area it controls in the city. A unit of RADA headed by Kara, took over the Mahary Radisson Blu hotel that had been occupied by hardliners and also seized the headquarters of another hardline group the 6th Division. The Central Bank of Libya and the foreign affairs ministry appear to have been secured by RADA and the TRB.

Other clashes near the Tripoli International Airport appear to be a completely separate fight between a Misratan unit and one from nearby Wirshefana but this is still not clear. Reports that the Mitiga airport was under attack are apparently untrue but nearby yesterday RADA forces attacked a camp held by Benghazi Defence Brigades allied with Ghwell and Ghariani.

Tension had been rising between groups allied with Ghariani and Ghwell and RADA and its allies, since the murder of Ghariani associate Sheikh Nadir Al-Omran. Ghariani and his allies blamed the murder on a section of RADA. There have been many tweets on the issue. Here is one: "once-united militia coalition consisting of militias supporting political Islam factionalized&fight 4 control" Another claims: Clashes renewed in #Tripoli after few-hours halt. So far today 2 civilians killed, homes + a hospital hit & multiple road blocks #Libya. A third tweet explains:"‏@HtewishM #Tripoli based #Militias takes offensive approach to secure their stronghold inside the city by destroying inside "enemies""

Libyan coup plotters remain in seized headquarters

The Rixos coup leaders of their self-declared Salvation Government remain protected by loyal militia who form a ring around the Rixos Hotel and guest houses across the road.

The Interior Ministry ordered that those responsible for the coup be arrested some time ago. As a tweet reports, Serraj stated: "I have instructed the Interior Ministry to arrest those involved in storming of the State Council. #Libya". Rather than being subject to arrest, the coup members were joined by the Presidential Guard who are supposed to be defending the Presidential Council(PC) of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA).

PM and head of the PC, Faiez Serraj, acted as if there were no coup by visiting a Tripoli hospital. He also attended a parade of police cadets who are reported to have been trained and hired to protect the Interior Ministry. Faiez claimed that there would be zero tolerance for those who sought to undermine the Libya Political Agreement (LPA) and instead sow chaos. He again noted that he had ordered the arrest of the coup leader Khalif Ghwell and his associates. He also ordered those occupying the seized buildings to evacuate the building. No attempt has been made to arrest the coup members and this is the third day of the coup now. The most consistent actions to derail the implementation of the LPA have been those of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) associated with the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) government. Not only is he tolerated, but the UN envoy Martin Kobler continually attempts to accommodate him and give him a role in a new GNA that he would accept. Perhaps Serraj should ask Haftar to evacuate the oil ports he has seized.

The Libya Herald describes Tripoli as descending into anarchy over the last two days but noted tonight some parts of the city appeared quite calm and normal. Some tweets claim fighting near the Roxios hotel: "There's a big fight going on right now - I think the Rexus cld be under fire. Big guns." However reports were conflicting as a tweet notes: "Many conflicting reports. People are simply edgy and scared" There have been casualties from the sporadic outbreaks of violence with one woman killed and several others wounded in a camp for internally displaced persons, apparently the result of stray shells.

Haltem Tajouri's Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades (TRB) has expanded its network of checkpoints and moved armoured vehicles into Martyr's Square. Last night, shops in the square were ordered to close by Tajouri's men. However, there are even rumors of fights within the brigades. This is the same group that earlier took over GNA intelligence headquarters. One report claims Tajouri is said by the UN to be guilty of war crimes, and he is also accused by some of having murdered a number of prisoners who were released recently by court order. Tajouri may attack the coup headquarters whether the GNA wants that to happen or not. We will see. There appear to be sporadic clashes that may have nothing to do with the coup but are just between militias defending their own areas. In many places people are just going on with a normal life. University classes are continuing as usual.

UN, EU, and others condemn the attempted coup in Libya

The UN, the EU and the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNA) have all condemned the attempted coup yesterday by members of the Salvation Government of the former General National Congress (GNC).

Although the Interior Ministry of the GNA was ordered to arrest those involved in the coup, so far no action to do so appears to have been taken. There is tension and some violence in Tripoli but it is not clear that the violence is related to the attempted coup. As a tweet reminds commentators: User Actions "#Libya Worth noting there are pre-existing Tripoli militia disputes, some skirmishing may that + not related to rival govts. power struggle." Another tweet notes there are clashes between two militia in Tripoli: "Avoid BenGasheer,#Tripoli, due to ongoing fighting (tanks being used) btwn militias of BGasheer and Warshiffan. #Libya." So far, there appears to be no violence at the Rixos hotel buildings that the coup leaders seized which are now guarded by militia. The leader of the coup, Khalifa Ghwell is subject to EU sanctions for impeding the implementation of the LPA.

A recent DJ article gives details on the attempted coup. While the coup leaders captured the former headquarters of the Salvation Government, the Rixos Hotel, it did not occupy the naval base or quarters where the Presidential Council of the GNA meets. In fact the PC is meeting today to discuss the situation.

The EU issued a statement on the situation. The statement claimed that the use of force to claim power could only lead to "further disorder and a spiral of violence" with Libyans being the main victims. Of course, force is being used against the Islamic State and Haftar used force to seize four oil ports and is using it not only against the Islamic State (IS) but against jihadists in Derna who fought against IS. There is the standard never-ending call to support the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). The statement calls for the Presidency Council(PC) to set forth an inclusive new proposal for the formation of the GNA on which the House of Representatives(HoR) need to vote "in a fair and orderly manner". On October 22nd it will be two months since the GNA vote of confidence went down to defeat in the HoR. Yet there is no sign yet of a new cabinet nor a date for a meeting of the HoR on the issue. The EU offered continued support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The UN envoy, Martin Kobler, was not named.

Kobler condemned the coup attempt warning that it would bring "further disorder and insecurity". A tweet sums up the reaction of several stakeholders to the coup: "UNSMIL, EU & Western ambassadors to Libya condemn takeover of #StateCouncil HQs in Tripoli by members of exGNC,reaffirm support for GNA &LPA."

The U.S. State Department issued its own statement and demands that the seized buildings be returned back to the GNA: The United States is concerned about reports of violence in Tripoli and the use of force to take over the headquarters of the State Council. Government buildings in Tripoli should be returned to the control of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and all parties should exercise restraint. The United States reiterates its support for the Government of National Accord and the Libyan Political Agreement, and calls on all parties to work together toward creating a safe, prosperous and free Libya that provides for the needs of its people.The statement does not mention that the buildings were originally seized some time ago from the GNC by militia loyal to the GNA.

The reaction of the HoR government does not condemn the coup. A recent tweet notes: "The Interim Govt declares it is following Tripoli events with utmost interest, acknowledging the Salvation Government's declaration'" The coup leader Ghwell may attempt to renew a Libya-Libya dialogue and an agreement without foreign intervention that was discussed in Malta back in December of 2015. The weakness of the GNA has been shown by the lack of any quick reaction by security forces to put down the coup and retake the High Council of State headquarters.

Attempted coup in Libya by members of the General National Congress Salvation government.

Former members of the General National Council's (GNC) Government, as it called itself, including the former prime minister, Khalifa al-Ghwell have taken over their former headquarters in the Rixos Hotel and announced they are in power again.

Ghwell issued a statement declaring a state of emergency and claiming that this was a "historical initiative to rescue Libya". Both the Rixos Conference Center and the "Hospitality Palaces" across the road were taken over last April by the State Council by militia who were then loyal to the GNA. The pro-GNC militia withdrew to avoid bloodshed. The State Council actually pulled out of the headquarters a couple of days ago citing security issues. Apparently, the militia guarding the Council were harassing members. According to the Libyan Express:

 The Head of the Libyan High Council of State, Abdelrahman Al-Sweihli, ordered Monday the headquarters of the council be evacuated from all members and employees over recurrent violations and assaults perpetrated by the security guards, who are appointed to protect those members and employees.Recently, the Council declared that it was the legislature of the the Government of National Accord (GNA) since the House of Representatives (HoR) had not recognized the GNA.

The takeover began early in the morning with a confrontation between gunmen who supported the GNC and some linked to Sweihli but ended with the latter withdrawing. The militia guarding the council were already angry since their salaries were yet to be paid. They apparently had threatened to quit and were in contact with al-Ghwell supporters which is apparently the reason they decided to withdraw.

Al-Ghwell accompanied by the GNC first deputy president Awad Saddeq and head of the GNC presidential guard Ali Ramali, called on PM Abdullah al-Thinni of the HoR government, a rival to that of the GNA, to join them and together form a national unity government. This would completely avoid implementing the Libya Political Agreement and ignore the existence of the GNA.

Al-Ghwell claimed that the GNA and Presidency Council(PC) were undermining national unity and were the pawn of foreign forces who wanted to divide the country. All governmental organizations and ministries were ordered to stop dealing with the PC and GNA and to work with him instead. He also said that all those appointed by the PC were dismissed. It is quite unlikely that Al-Ghwell has the power to carry out his announcements. Most of the former GNC members are now members of the High State Council. It is not clear how many militia still support the GNC.

As of writing this article, there has been no statement on what has happened by the State Council, the PC or the UN. There is no comment yet either from the east and the HoR. A couple of weeks ago, there were also proposals that the former GNC and HoR administrations should create a government of national unity. The Grand Mufti Sadek Al-Ghariani was apparently aware of al-Ghwell's moves and approved them. A TV station associated with Al-Ghariani was the only one which attended a press conference given by al-Ghwell. The Mufti is an opponent of Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the HoR. It is unlikely that he will favor what is happening. Neither will the PC or UN special envoy Martin Kobler since the unity government planned would replace the GNA.

The Libya Prospect reports Al-Ghwell as saying after he entered his headquarters: “what we see nowadays is a result of agendas and conspiracies against the homeland.” He said that Libyan war commanders "brought us to where we are, and they are influencing the council of Skhirat, which is supported to destroy the nation". Skhirat is where the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) was signed. He said that the PC which was part of the LPA had divided Libya and was becoming a threat to national security. He called on the HoR government to participate with the GNC in forming a unity government. Al-Ghwell said that he had asked the armed battalions of the general presidency to be ready to deter enemies of the nation. It is not clear how many fighters Al-Ghwell can muster. We will no doubt find out within the next few days.

There have been many tweets on the takeover. Here is a typical tweet:

"BREAKING: Former Tripoli (Salvation) government declares UN-backed government State Council void, captures it's Tripoli HQ."