28 reported killed in militia clashes in Libyan capital of Tripoli

(May 26)According to the Ministry of Health of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) 28 people were killed and another 130 wounded in clashes between militia in Tripoli on Friday.

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The most casualties were reported in the Abu Salim neighborhood which saw some of the fiercest clashes. The Ministry noted that the figures are not final and that some of those injured could die. The fighting appears to have been between groups loyal to the Faiez Serraj government with rival militia loyal to the former Salvation Government of Khalifa al-Ghawiel. The Presidency Council(PC) of the GNA condemned the attacks and asked residents to support the government and repel the attackers.

Haytem Al-Tajouri's Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade associated with the PC took control of Hadba Prison where many senior former Gaddafi regime officials are held after hours of fighting with the prison guards. The house of the director of the prison was bulldozed. The prisoners appear to have been moved elsewhere to a safe place. In the clashes Salah al-Barouni a commander of the First Security Squad, a close aide of Haytem, was killed. The clashes set several fires including one at the Abu Salim carpet. The Mellitah Oil Company building in Al-Dahra was hit by a stray shell staring a fire in the upper stories. Another oil company building was damaged in the Ban Ben Ghashir neighborhood.

Al Jazeera reporter Mahmoud Abdelwahed in Tripoli said: "It seems there is no end to this confrontation at least today and every party is just mobilising their forces against the other. Hospitals told us the fighting is so heavy that they can't even get in the area to collect bodies." Some families who want to get out of areas where the clashes are cannot be evacuated in some cases because of the clashes. Tanks, armoured vehicles and pickups with mounted anti-aircraft guns were seen driving toward the battle from the north of the city. An Al Jazeera article has an unusual take on the situation:The clashes appear to pit forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) against fighters who opposed a political deal establishing the GNA that was signed in the Moroccan town of Skhirat in 2015. The fighters, mostly from the Awaqir tribe in Benghazi, are demanding an investigation into how supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group were able to leave Benghazi and Derna undetected in 2015.They say the ISIL supporters were intentionally smuggled out.The fighters claim to be members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) who would not allow anyone to exploit their sacrifices for personal gain.

The article suggests there may be a split in Haftar's ranks. I have not seen this account elsewhere.

According to the Libya Herald, the attack started when Salah Badi the main militia commander of the forces of the Salvation Government or General National Congress(GNC) attacked the Abu Sleem Central Security Forces led by Ghneiwa in an attempt to recapture the Rixos Hotel complex which had been held before and also nearby Camp 77 which was formerly his headquarters. He called his operation "Pride of Libya". He claims his actions are necessary to preserve the 17 February Revolution that overthrew Gaddafi. Badi also attacked the nearby Salahaddin and Khala Furjan districts as well as the airport road before moving into other areas. A pro-PC militia commander Hashm Bishr said that the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades had nine men killed and another 22 injured. Another 12 were killed from the Abu Sleem Central Security Force with 7 injuured. Two other allied groups also lost one each.

The rival House of Representatives called for an immediate ceasefire and all miliias to withdraw from Tripoli. UN envoy Marin Kobler said he was gravely concerned about the situation and urged that political aims not be pursued through violence. A statement from the UN Support Mission in LIbya said that the GNA remained the sole legitimate government in Libya. According to a recent tweet: " Salah Badi forces have fled acc. to Kara sources. Tractors are being sent to demolish their camp. #Tripoli #Libya Quiet evening now." We will know better tomorrow what the outcome will be.

Tripoli ceasefire among militias fails to hold

(March 16) The Presidency Council(PC) of the UN-brokered Government of National Accord (GNA) was able to broker an agreement among many brigades to stop fighting in Tripoli after many clashes the previous night.

For some reason Faiez Serraj the PM and head of the PC was not in attendance. PC member Ahmed Hamza and the Defense Minister Mihid al-Barghati chaired the meeting. The meeting was held in the Abu Sittah Naval Base one of the few secure areas to meet in Tripoli no doubt. The municipal councils of Misrata, Souq Al-Jonaa and Central Tripoli also took part. Commanders of loyal armed brigades from Misrata and Tripoli also participated.

The agreement requires all armed brigades "rival ones" to withdraw from Tripoli as set out in the Libya Political Agreement (LPA). The Tripoli Revolutionaries' Brigade(TRB) and Ghaniewa of the UN PC launched an offensive again other groups several days ago and drove them out of several areas of the capital. However under the agreement control will be handed over to other loyal brigades from the city of Misrata:“Brigade 301 of the Ministry of Defense will be tasked to guard the Ministry of Interior,” the agreement indicated. Brigade 301 is from Misrata and known as Al-Halboos Brigade. Regarding protection of Rixos compound, the agreement stated that it would be handed over to Brigade 14 and Brigade 155, both are also Misrata. Brigade 17, also from Misrata, was tasked with the protection of Airport Road, a region where several rival groups are located.The agreement immediately ran into difficulties as Ghaniewa that is in control of the RIxos compound backed out and said it was not part of the agreement.

The above account is from the Libya Observer. The Libya Herald also covers the ceasefire. The Herald account notes that in the fighting the leader of the National Salvation Government, Khalifa Ghwell who was attempting a coup against the GNA had been injured in the fighting. As discussed in a recent Digital Journal article, Ghwell was driven out of his headquarters in the Rixos hotel complex. He is said to have been taken to Misrata for treatment. According to the Herald the agreement provides for the departure of armed factions "beyond the law" from Tripoli as required by the LPA. It is not clear which militia are "beyond the law" or who is to ensure that the agreement terms are obeyed by militias. It may not matter because it seems that several important militia groups did not agree to the deal according to reports. The Rada Special Deterrence Force headed by Abdul Kara, and the Abu Sleem Central Security Force headed by Gheneiwa or Abdul Al-Kikli have not agreed to the deal.

Earlier today Bunyan Marsous commanders from Misrata said they were sending 1500 armoured vehicles to "force the establishment of peace and security in Tripoli". The Herald did not know what had happened to the operation.

In a later article, the Herald notes that the ceasefire had been rejected by the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade headed by Haytem Tajouri . The Brigade said it would continue its advance and there were unconfirmed reports of minor clashes breaking out again. The TRB said that with no legitimate army to keep order it would protect the people. The TRB said that it would never be satisfied with "half measures and formal agreements". The TRB also accused fighters from other towns of sowing instability in Tripoli.

There was an attack on al-Hadhba prison today that killed several guards as reported in a recent tweet: Very serious developments, heavy fighting near al-Hadhba prison, where former regime senior officials are held. There may be more clashes happening soon as the PC agreement does not include at least three key militia groups in Tripoli.

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 rival militias in Tripoli

(Febbruary 12) There were clashes between the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB) led by Haithem Tajouri and a group of mostly Misratan fighters based in Tripoli commanded by Mahmud Baiyu who goes by the name Sharikan.

The Libya Herald reports that there were clashes between the two groups on Saturday in a southern part of Tripoli in the suburbs of Wadi Rabih, Ain Zara, Khala Al-Furjan, and Salahedeen. The clashes involved heavy weapons and tapered off only in the evening.

Locals claim that Sharikan moved to take a number of positions in Wadi Rabih that were held by the rival TRB. In fact it appears to be a turf war among rival militias. Sharikan was successful in the Khala Al-Furjan area. Sharikan is an ally of the Libyan National Guard formed just recently from brigades that are mostly but not all from Misrata. The group appears to be supportive of Khalifa Ghwell who was PM of the former Salvation Government and mounted a coup attempt some time ago. He has headquarters in the Rixos hotel complex. The group is discussed in a recent DJ article. Vehicle convoys of the Guards have entered Tripoli. Not surprisingly, the group is not welcomed by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) or it Presidency Council (PC). A recent tweet says: "PC statement on National Guard " Outlaws and not Legitimate " "

The Herald reports:Today’s clashes mainly took place along the Wadi Rabih highway linking Swani and airport road in the southwest with Tajoura to the northeast of Tripoli. Sharikan’s area of influence extends from Swani and airport roads to the headquarters of the Man Made River complex at Wadi Rabih which he using currently as one of his bases. Tajouri’s zone extends from Tajoura down to the junction on the Wadi Rabih highroad leading to Ain Zara. The latter is also under Tajouri’s control.

The TRB has been involved in clashes before. On December 1st it clashed with and defeated an armed group associated with the Interior Ministry:The brigade said the reason of the attack is that the armed force was involved in murders, banditry, kidnap and smuggling the illegal immigrants despite the fact that the armed group is part of the Central Security Department of the Interior Ministry.

Just back on January 23rd, the TRB had warned that Tripoli could not bear further armed conflict. Tajouri's TRB is said to be the most powerful militia in Tripoli. At the time the TRB said the political process based on the Libya Political Agreement (LPA) is irreplaceable. However, there appears to have been no sign of much progress since the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR) rejected the UN brokered Government of National Accord(GNA) on August 22 last year. On its media page the TRB wrote: “We demand everybody keep Tripoli away from their struggle, as its residents cannot bear any new armed conflict inside the city. We announce, as Tripolitans, that we have never assigned anyone to represent us at talks and we confirm that anyone who attempts to act in such a way is just a liar.” The group appears to want to retain a degree of independence from the UN-brokered GNA while at the same time expressing support for the LPA which spawned the GNA. With the new Libyan National Guard entering Tripoli in force and having a number of militia linked with it there is a grave danger of an outright war between groups. Khalifa Haftar and his eastern-based Libyan National Army would no doubt be quite pleased to see his opponents at each others throats.

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 militia group demands new intelligence head before giving up seized buildings

Even though the Libyan Government of National Accord's(GNA) intelligence headquarters was seized back on August 14th, the GNA and the UN are silent on the issue.

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The raids by the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades (TRB) headed by Haitham Tajouri were reported by several sources including Digital Journal. A recent tweet indicates that the TRB are still in control of their headquarters: "‏@SamiBerriwen #Libya | Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade says won't hand over Intelligence agency HQs unless new chief appointed." The GNA intelligence headquarters has been occupied for four days but the government seems not to have noticed. The UN's Special Representative of the Secretary General, Martin Kobler, has said nothing about the issue though he had time to tweet condolences to the families of those killed in an Islamic State suicide attack today.

Mohammed Nuh was thought to be visiting Turkey when the attack happened. A member of the State Council of the GNA, Belgasim Igzit, demanded that the Presidential Council (PC) of the GNA clarify its position "regarding the bad-reputation militia that are messing around the capital, Tripoli." He said that the GNA needs to inspect its security preparations that are very fragile. He said political parties could not work in the capital without the threat of extortion or even abduction. Apparently some intelligence personnel were kidnapped in the recent raids. Igzit said: "Libyans refuse the fact that the UN-proposed government is at the mercy of the militias no matter to which party they belong, so the Presidential Council must come to grips with this fact.”

The Libya Observer even remarks that it is not clear whether the act was coordinated with the PC or whether it was an individual act. It seems bizarre that the PC should approve the seizing of its own intelligence headquarters.

The Libya Herald reports that over last weekend, Tajouri, head of the TRB was targeted for assassination. Apparently an attack was made on a TRB post at the Mitiga airport. The attack was said to have been made by the Al Buni brigade whose leader is an ally of intelligence chief Nuh. It is not clear whether the attack was before or after Tajouri seized Nuh's intelligence headquarters. The Libya Herald understands that the attack was the day before Tajouri's raids. The report also said that Tajouri accused Nuh of bribery to advance his personal ambitions that was disrupting normal operation of the intelligence organization. A TRB statement also claimed that intelligence officer Joudet Al-Khadar also had been using bribes to induce colleagues to spy for "foreign countries". The statementconcluded: “We are ready to hand over all the administration buildings once the Presidency Council has assigned a new intelligence head in accordance with the Libyan Political Agreement”. These events show how completely out of control militia groups are in Tripoli. The GNA appears to be ignoring what is happening and doing nothing to rectify the situation.

Militia group takes over Libyan unity government's intelligence headquarters

Two different sources report that Haitham Tajouri's militia, the Tripoli Revolutionaries' Brigade(TRB) attacked predominantly Misratan intelligence personnel associated with the UN-backed Government of National Accord.

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The Libya Herald reports that in early morning raids armoured cars and members of the TRB took over the intelligence headquarters in Fornaj, a building in Salahedding, a site in Ain Zara and intelligence offices at Mitiga Airport as well. It is thought the group want to arrest Sheikh Sadek Ghariani, Grand Mufti. Mohamed Nuh, the head of intelligence, from Mistrata is thought to be visiting Turkey.

There are unconfirmed reports that one person was killed in the attack on Fornaj. In Ain Zara three portable cabins used by intelligence officers came under heavy fire and all three were burned down. The militia also stormed apartments nearby seeking certain individuals. Although there are no precise figures, many intelligence personnel are said to have been seized. Apparently, the TRB had the support of some intelligence officers who see the intelligence system as being too much dominated by Misratans and Islamists.

Nuh is said to be close to the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group(LIFG) and his appointment of Misratans to key positions has caused resentment among some of the intelligence establishment. The LIFG no longer exists as such but members are associated with Libya Shield apparently. Ghariani is the Grand Mufti and supports the Defend Benghazi Brigades. Posters had been appearing in Tripoli with a photo of Ghariani reading "No to the Muslim Brotherhood" and "Stop the bloodshed"".

For some reason, the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) has been silent about what is happening although it is an obviously serious attack on key elements within the GNA. Last week the same militia took over the health ministry building and there was no public reaction. It is not clear why Tajouri is acting in this way at this time. Last November, Tajouri briefly seized prime minister of the Salvation Government Khalifa Ghwell. At one time Tajouri said he favored the monarchy. He has been accused of murdering Gadaffi regime personnel in an illegal prison at his camp in Tajoura.

The Libya Observer report on the attack says that the TRB attacked the headquarters of General Intelligence Department (GID) in the Al-Firnaj area: “The armed brigade sent all the employees and workers in the headquarters out and then it attacked the Study Scholarships HQS, which is located next to the GID.” The report also noted that the same group had seized the Health Ministry headquarters in the same area the week before. Two weeks ago the same brigade took over the Ministry of Telecommunications. The Observer claims it unclear whether the PC knows about the incident. How could the GNA not know when one of their own ministries is occupied? It now has happened at least three times! The TRG is one of the largest armed groups in Tripoli. Obviously, the GNA lacks the most rudimentary control over security and almost no control of the actions of competing militia groups.