Fierce Militia clashes broke out in the small hours of this morning in Zawia and Surman, 47 kms and 66 kms west of Tripoli respectively.
The Western Municipality Bloc, representing the municipalities of the region, urgently appealed to the Tripoli government, and all relevant security and military authorities, for immediate intervention.
Unconfirmed early reports say the violent clashes are between the First Support Division in Zawiya—led by Mohamed Bahroun (aka Al-Far)—and the 103rd Battalion (Al-Sil'a)—led by Othman Al-Lahab. Both ''militias'' are officially recognised by the Tripoli government.
It is unclear why these specific clashes started. But this has been the case for several other Zawia clashes over the months and years. Trivial territorial, personal, family and tribal rivalries are usually the case.
The clashes were believed to have started along the coastal road stretching from the Al-Harsha checkpoint to the Zawia Refinery Bridge.
The clashes led to the closure of the main coastal road until daybreak. There are unconfirmed reports of a shell landing on at least one residence. There is also a report of a shell landing on and setting fire to a car scrapyard. Black smoke was reported billowing into the sky.
In Zawia, the clashes were reported in residential areas, in A-Harsha and near the Zawia Oil Refinery. Residents were urged to take safety precautions and refrain from going outside.
The Zawiya Oil Refining Company
The Zawiya Oil Refining Company called on all its employees early this morning not to take the risk of coming to work due to clashes in the vicinity of the oil complex. It considered non-attendance an emergency leave. At the time of publication, it reported no damage or direct hits.
Surman
There were equally fierce clashes in the city of Surman a further 20 kms west of Zawia. Smoke was seen billowing from the areas of clashes.
The Libyan Red Crescent
The Libyan Red Crescent had reported early on that despite receiving distress calls from families in Surman, it was unable to reach them due to the absence of safe corridors. Despite this, it reported that it was able to rush one pregnant woman to a maternity unit in the city. As the clashes subsided, it reported later that it was able to go to the aid of some civilians.
The Emergency Medicine and Support Centre
In turn, the Emergency Medicine and Support Centre announced the evacuation of a number of families and those trapped inside homes and sanatoriums in the areas of the clashes in Surman and Zawia’s Al-Harsha.
Prison breakout
Prisoners broke out of the Surman Prison. There are conflicting reports as to whether they escaped or were released for concerns about their safety because of nearby clashes and possible falling debris.
Surman Municipality statement
In a statement issued early this morning, Surman Municipality stated that it is monitoring the security events unfolding in the city with deep concern. Adding:
‘‘We condemn these unlawful acts in the strongest terms.
‘‘We hold all parties responsible for instigating these events fully accountable.
‘‘We urge citizens to remain where they are, venture out only in cases of extreme necessity, and stay away from areas of conflict to ensure their safety.
‘‘We call upon citizens to contact the emergency teams of the Libyan Red Crescent (Surman branch) should they require humanitarian assistance or medical aid.
‘‘We announce the suspension of operations across all municipal departments and facilities, declaring today an exceptional holiday until the situation stabilizes; however, essential service and emergency agencies will continue to operate.
‘‘We are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
‘‘We call on everyone to remain calm and prioritize the public interest.
Conflict-Resolution Force sent into Surman
After daybreak, the Conflict-Resolution Force was sent into Surman and deployed along the ceasefire line between armed groups. Calm has now descended on the city.
West Coast Municipalities Bloc urgent appeal for intervention
Later in the day, the West Coast Municipalities Bloc, formed by municipalities of the region, issued an urgent appeal foreshadowing dire humanitarian and security consequences unless urgent intervention is taken to contain the situation.
The Bloc urgently appealed to the Tripoli government and all relevant security and military authorities for immediate intervention to uphold their legal and constitutional responsibilities. This, to protect civilians, restore security, halt all forms of escalation and armed clashes, and work to secure the city of Surman while safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens.
The Bloc calls upon all parties to prioritize reason and wisdom, refrain from actions that exacerbate the crisis, place the interests of the nation and its citizens above all else, and preserve social peace and national unity.
The West Coast Municipalities Bloc said it holds the relevant authorities fully accountable for responding swiftly to this appeal and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and restore security and stability, thereby safeguarding lives and upholding the prestige of the state and the rule of law.
The Tripoli government remains silent
Despite these and other clashes in the greater Zawia area over the months and even years – Libya witnesses the surreal situation where the Tripoli government fails to comment or even acknowledge the militia clashes in the two cities.
At the time of publication – more than 12 hours after the clashes were reported to have erupted – the Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba government has made no comments.