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3h ago

Assassination of Libyan Militia Leader Triggers Deadly Clashes in Tripoli

The killing of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli has left six dead, halted public services, and raised concerns over escalating militia violence in the capital.

The shooting led to fighting between Libyan security forces and militiamen loyal to Abdel Ghani al-Kikli
Members of the 444 Brigade of the Libyan Army, a unit serving the Government of National Unity (GNU) and Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, stand guard at Abu Salim area, in Tripoli, Libya, May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Ayman al-Sahili/File Photo
Illustrative image from May 10, 2025 shows Martyrs square in Libya's capital Tripoli on May 10, 2025.
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Overview

  • Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, leader of the Stability Support Authority (SSA), was killed at a 444th Combat Brigade headquarters in Tripoli, reportedly under orders from its commander Mahmoud Hamza.
  • Clashes erupted across Tripoli following the assassination, with heavy weaponry used in densely populated areas, prompting the UN to call for an immediate ceasefire and civilian protection.
  • Libya’s Emergency Medicine and Support Centre confirmed the recovery of six bodies from the Abu Salim area, the epicenter of the violence.
  • Mitiga Airport flights were suspended and redirected, schools and universities in Tripoli remain closed, and residents have been ordered to stay indoors for their safety.
  • Al-Kikli, accused of war crimes and human rights abuses, was a key figure in Libya’s fragmented power dynamics, highlighting the ongoing challenges of governance and militia control in the post-Gaddafi era.