The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday issued a strong condemnation of the renewed violence in Tripoli after rival armed groups engaged in clashes during the Eid al-Adha holiday, violating an existing truce.
In a formal statement, UNSMIL urged all parties to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement and avoid actions that could trigger further unrest. The mission stressed the urgent need to preserve peace, particularly during a religious holiday that holds deep significance for many Libyans.
“Fighting in densely populated areas often leads to civilian casualties,” UNSMIL noted, adding that provocations must be avoided and disputes should be handled through the designated truce mechanism. The mission underscored the importance of dialogue over confrontation in maintaining stability.
UNSMIL also referenced a recent call by the UN Security Council, which emphasized that those responsible for targeting civilians must be held accountable under international law.
Eyewitnesses in Tripoli reported that gunfire and explosions erupted early Monday in several neighborhoods, causing widespread panic and forcing residents to shelter indoors. Although no fatalities or injuries have been officially reported, the sudden violence disrupted what should have been a peaceful celebration.
The Libyan Ministry of Defense confirmed later in the day that the hostilities had ended. The ministry warned all armed factions against repeating such actions, reaffirming its readiness to act decisively to protect public safety and enforce the ceasefire.
Tripoli has been plagued by sporadic outbreaks of violence in recent years, most recently in clashes last month between forces affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Stability Support Apparatus, a powerful armed group that exerts influence in the capital.
Libya has faced deep political fragmentation since the 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between two rival administrations: the UN-recognized GNU based in Tripoli, and an eastern-based government aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by commander Khalifa Haftar.
The LNA operates independently of the official Libyan Army, which represents the military arm of the GNU. This distinction continues to complicate efforts to unify the country’s military and security structures.
Despite international mediation and repeated calls for disarmament, armed factions continue to operate autonomously in Tripoli and other areas under GNU control. Their persistent rivalry poses a significant challenge to national reconciliation and the establishment of a unified security apparatus.
The latest eruption of violence highlights the fragility of the security situation in Libya and underscores the pressing need for sustained diplomatic engagement and institutional reform to prevent further destabilization.