Head of UN-backed government’s security force reportedly killed
Following reports that a high-ranking military official was assassinated, armed conflict broke out in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, on Monday night.
Al Jazeera reports that Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, leader of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) which is affiliated with the UN-supported government, died in a shootout in southern Tripoli. The incident reportedly happened at the 444th Combat Brigade headquarters following what was described as “failed negotiations.”
Local news sources reported combat and troop movements in the Abu Salim and Mashrou neighborhoods. According to Al Jazeera, citing eyewitnesses, the 111th and 444th brigades attacked the SSA headquarters, with reports of gunfire and explosions throughout the city.
The full scope of the fighting and the number of casualties remain unknown. Graphic images shared on social media appear to depict numerous fatalities. Al Jazeera stated that at least six individuals were wounded.
Al Arabiya reports that militias from Misrata and other cities began moving towards Tripoli the previous week.
The SSA was created in 2021 by the Government of National Unity with the mission of maintaining security in the capital and fighting organized crime.
Libya has been in a state of civil war since 2011, after a NATO-supported revolt that led to the death of Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled for a long time. The conflict eventually resulted in a stalemate between opposing governments located in Tripoli, in the west, and Tobruk, in the east.
The most recent significant clashes between militias in Tripoli occurred in August 2023, resulting in 55 deaths and almost 150 injuries. In February 2025, State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Adel Juma survived an attempted assassination.
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