The Libyan Ministry of Defence, aligned with the Tripoli-based government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Aldabaiba, announced a ceasefire early Wednesday following heavy armed clashes that erupted overnight across the capital, including in central and densely populated residential districts.

The intense fighting involved forces loyal to the Aldabaiba administration and militias aligned with Abdelraouf Kara, commander of the Special Deterrence Force (SDF), also known as RADA. The hostilities led to widespread panic among civilians and considerable damage to urban infrastructure.

Initial assessments indicate a military stalemate, with no clear victor emerging. The precise cause of the confrontation remains unclear, with conflicting accounts circulating. However, the unrest is widely believed to have been triggered by the suspected killing of Abdelghani Ghenewa Al-Kikly, head of the Tripoli-based, state-affiliated Support and Stability Apparatus (SSA), allegedly by forces loyal to the Aldabaiba government.

Unverified video footage circulated on social media shows significant destruction to residential buildings, commercial properties, and civilian vehicles, with stray bullets and possibly artillery shells causing further damage in multiple neighborhoods. A large fire reportedly broke out at the Counter Illegal Migration Centre on Sika Street, located just meters from the prime minister’s cabinet offices.

The clashes forced the closure of Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport only hours after it had resumed operations, with flights rerouted to Misrata. Tripoli University and several schools announced suspension of classes due to security concerns.

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, the Tripoli Ministry of Defence declared the start of ceasefire implementation across all flashpoints in the capital. The statement emphasized the government's commitment to "protect civilians, preserve state institutions, and avoid further escalation."

Regular forces, it said, are coordinating with security agencies to stabilize the situation, including deploying neutral units to sensitive contact zones. The Ministry affirmed that its response was in accordance with “national duty” and aimed to “preserve public order” and prevent armed factions from exploiting the instability.

“We stress that unity, strengthening the rule of law and dismantling manifestations of indiscriminate armament will remain an unwavering priority,” the statement said. “No reality will be allowed to be imposed by force of arms or outside official frameworks.”

The Ministry also urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and refrain from provocative actions or rhetoric that could reignite violence.

The volatile security environment in Tripoli reflects the broader fragmentation of Libya’s political and military landscape, with rival militias maintaining influence despite efforts to centralize authority under the Tripoli government. The death of Ghenewa Al-Kikly, if confirmed, risks triggering further retaliatory violence, especially given his militia’s deep entrenchment within the capital's power structure.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Tripoli remained tense but calm under the watch of government-aligned security units. Analysts warn that unless a genuine national reconciliation process and militia disarmament efforts are enacted, the capital may remain vulnerable to recurrent bouts of armed confrontation.

International observers have called for restraint and renewed efforts toward political unity and demilitarization. (ILKHA)