Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli, declared a state of emergency on Monday night, according to local media.
This followed clashes between the 444th Brigade and the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) after SSA Commander Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, also known as "Ghneiwa," was assassinated. The 444th Brigade is alleged to have been responsible for al-Kikli's assassination.
SSA is under the purview of the GNU's executive body, the Presidential Council, which came to power in 2021 through a United Nations-backed ceasefire process.
Thus, Al-Kikli was an influential supporter of the GNU Prime Minister Abdel Hamid al-Dbeibah and SSA is one of the best-armed militias that control key infrastructure in Tripoli.
GNU's interior ministry called on citizens in a short statement to stay at home "for their own safety."
Following the ministry's call, drivers started speeding and honking in many Tripoli streets.
GNU media platform said early on Tuesday that the defense ministry had fully taken control of Abu Salim neighbourhood.
"I heard heavy gunfire, and I saw red lights in the sky," a resident said on condition of anonymity.
The other two residents said the gunfire was echoing all over their neighbourhoods of Abu Salim and Salah Eddin.
The University of Tripoli Presidency announced on Facebook the suspension of studies, exams, and administrative work at all faculties, departments, and offices until further notice.
UNSMIL is alarmed by the unfolding security situation in Tripoli, with intense fighting with heavy weaponry in densely populated civilian areas. The Mission calls on all parties to immediately cease fighting and restore calm, and reminds all parties of their obligations to… pic.twitter.com/SZ8oKgZ1p8
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) May 12, 2025
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged all parties to "immediately cease fighting and restore calm," reminding them of their obligation to protect civilians.
"Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes," it said.
Libya, a major oil producer in the Mediterranean, has had little stability since a 2011 uprising backed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The country split in 2014 between warring eastern and western factions.
Major fighting paused with a ceasefire in 2020 but efforts to end the political crisis have failed, with major factions occasionally joining forces in armed clashes and competing for control over Libya's substantial economic resources.
Tripoli and the northwest, where the internationally recognised GNU and most major state institutions are based, are home to rival armed factions that have repeatedly fought.