Libya on the brink of war after assassination of militia leader

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Libya is once again on the brink of full-scale conflict after the assassination of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, known as Gheniwa, a powerful militia leader in Tripoli. His killing has triggered violent clashes across the capital, with reports of heavy gunfire and military vehicles deployed in key districts. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, forcing the government to issue emergency warnings and evacuate civilians from conflict zones.

The fighting erupted in Abu Salim and Mashrou, areas controlled by Gheniwa’s Stability Support Force. Rival factions, including the Joint Force of Misrata, the 444 Fighting Brigade, the 111 Brigade, and the Directorate Support Force, have mobilized against his group. The Government of National Unity’s Interior Ministry has urged residents to stay indoors, warning that the violence could escalate further. Tripoli is now a battlefield, and the power struggle is intensifying.

The assassination of Gheniwa has sent shockwaves through Libya’s fragile political landscape. He was a key figure in Tripoli’s security apparatus, operating under the Presidential Council since 2021. His forces played a major role in maintaining control over the capital, often clashing with rival militias. His death leaves a dangerous power vacuum, and armed groups are now scrambling to seize territory.

The University of Tripoli has suspended all activities, including exams and administrative work, as the violence spreads. The Mitiga Airport evacuation plan has been activated, with flights redirected to Misrata. The United Nations Mission in Libya has called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that attacks on civilians could constitute war crimes. International observers fear that Libya’s fragile ceasefire may collapse entirely, plunging the country into another prolonged conflict.

Libya has struggled with instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between rival factions, with Tripoli controlled by the Government of National Unity and the east governed by General Khalifa Haftar’s forces. While major fighting paused after a 2020 ceasefire, political tensions have remained high. The latest violence threatens to unravel years of diplomatic efforts, pushing Libya closer to another civil war.

Sources:

https://libyaobserver.ly/news/clashes-erupt-tripoli-military-commander-ghniwa-reported-dead

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-05-12/armed-clashes-erupt-in-libyas-tripoli-after-reported-killing-of-armed-group-leader