In skirmishes between two strong armed factions in Tripoli, southern Libya, at least 27 people were killed and 106 others were hurt, according to a statement from the nation’s emergency services on Tuesday.
Mahmoud Hamza, the 444 Brigade commander, was detained on Monday while attempting to enter Tripoli’s main Mitiga airport, which sparked the start of fighting. The Special Deterrence Force, a competing group that controls the airport, caught him. His detention’s cause is still a mystery.
According to state news agency LANA, after a deal was struck with the UN-recognized Government of National Unity to transfer Hamza to a neutral party, the fighting stopped late on Tuesday.
According to LANA, casualties included civilians.
Images of smoke billowing above the capital following the nighttime skirmishes indicate that the fighting is thought to be the most intense of this year.
According to LANA, the agreement covers the end of all military activities in Tripoli, the relocation of military forces to their barracks, the evaluation of property damage to both public and private property, and the issuance of compensation by the Government of National Unity.
According to a statement made on Tuesday by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the mission is “closely monitoring security incidents and developments in Tripoli since yesterday and their impact on the civilian population. The Mission reminds all parties concerned of their legal obligation to safeguard civilians.
Following the 2011 NATO-supported rebellion against Moammar Gadhafi, the country was divided into warring factions in 2014. Since then, there has been little peace in the country. According to Reuters, the Special Deterrence Force and the 444 Brigade are thought to be the two strongest military units in the Libyan capital.