Heavy armed clashes broke out early Thursday in the city of Zawiya, about 60 km west of Libya’s capital Tripoli, following an assassination attempt on Mohamed Suleiman Al-Fitouri, commander of the Reserve Force under the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to local newspaper Al-Marsad, Al-Fitouri and his associate Abdul Rahman sustained serious injuries after being shot on the coastal road by an unidentified armed group, sparking violent confrontations between factions reportedly affiliated with the same government.

The clashes caused widespread panic among civilians, led to the closure of several main roads, and prompted the suspension of classes in multiple schools due to the deteriorating security situation.

Libyan TV channel Al-Masar cited security sources confirming that Al-Fitouri, who also serves as head of the Stability Support Agency branch in Zawiya, was admitted to intensive care after being shot. The identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown.

Local sources indicated that the incident underscores the scale of chaos and security deterioration in Zawiya, with streets turning into open battlegrounds between armed factions, even those allegedly under the same government. Analysts say the clashes highlight rising competition and struggles for influence among security groups within the GNU in western Libya.

In recent months, cities in western Libya have seen a rise in targeted killings and disputes between security agencies, amid growing allegations of foreign mercenary involvement in executions and internal power struggles. The ongoing instability is exacerbated by the absence of a unified central authority capable of stabilizing the security situation.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been mired in chaos and deep political divisions, with two rival governments: the Government of National Unity (GNU), internationally recognized and led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, which controls the western region from Tripoli, and the government appointed by the House of Representatives, led by Osama Hammad, which controls the eastern region and parts of the south.

Authorities under the GNU have not yet issued an official statement regarding Thursday’s clashes. The events in Zawiya reflect the ongoing fragility of Libya’s security landscape and the persistent threats posed by rivalries within government-affiliated armed groups. (ILKHA)