Ceasefire reached in Tripoli

Clashes that broke out on May 12 in Libya's capital, Tripoli, following the killing of Abdulghani al-Kikli, leader of the militia group Stability Support Apparatus, have ended with a ceasefire.

Following clashes this morning between the 444th Brigade, affiliated with Libya's Government of National Unity, and the Special Deterrence Force (Rada), considered one of the powerful militia groups in Tripoli, the Libyan Ministry of Defense announced at noon that a ceasefire had been declared in all conflict zones in Tripoli to protect civilians.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had expressed deep concern over the violence in densely populated residential areas in Tripoli and had called for a ceasefire.

Forces affiliated with Libya's Government of National Unity had established control yesterday in the Abu Salim district, known as the stronghold of the Stability Support Apparatus, following clashes that lasted until the morning hours. It was announced that 6 people have lost their lives in the clashes so far.

THE COUNTRY IS DIVIDED INTO EAST AND WEST

Governance in Libya has been divided into east and west since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011. While Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh of the Government of National Unity (GNU), recognized by the United Nations (UN), serves in the west, the east is governed by "Prime Minister" Ossama Hamad.