Libya: Clashes south of Tripoli March 29

Event

Clashes have erupted between the 42 Battalion and the Kani Brigade (supported by the Al-Burki militia) on Wadi Alrabie Road, south of Tripoli, as of the afternoon of Thursday, March 29 (local time). Local sources have reported that people have been turned back from the area and that heavy weapons have been employed in the clashes. Continued fighting and localized transportation disruptions are possible in the affected area in the coming hours.

Context

The 42 Battalion comes under the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB) and is based around Ayn Zara and Wadi Alrabie. The TRB has both fought with and against the Kani Brigade over the last six to 12 months. The Al-Burki militia, reportedly supporting the Kani Brigade in the clashes, is a pro-General National Congress (GNC) group from Misrata.

Libya has been divided into rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and though the security situation has improved in Tripoli since summer 2017, there is little to no sign of a return of relative stability across the country in the near-term.

Advice

Individuals present in the Tripoli area are advised to avoid the affected area, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

On a general note, the security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel to some areas is possible with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.