Libya: Thousands displaced as fighting continues in Tripoli as of April 12

Event

As of Friday, April 12, ongoing fighting between forces aligned with the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli has displaced over 9500 people, at least 3500 of whom were displaced within the last 48 hours. Multiple civilian casualties have been reported, and sources indicate that most civilians requesting evacuation are unable to move from their homes or places of refuge. Demonstrations denouncing the ongoing conflict were scheduled near Martyrs' Square and Algeria Square in central Tripoli on Friday.

Fighting between LNA- and GNA-aligned forces (including reciprocal airstrikes) is expected to continue in Tripoli and may intensify in the coming days, especially in the capital's southern suburbs around Aïn Zara, Yarmouk, the Diplomatic Club base, Swani, and Wadi Al-Rabi. Such clashes are likely to result in increased numbers of displaced civilians, as well as civilian casualties.

Context

The LNA launched an advance on Tripoli on April 4. Evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli began en masse on April 7. LNA and GNA airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8. Notably, on April 12, LNA forces targeted a GNA-controlled radar station in Zuwara, some 100 km (60 mi) west of Tripoli, with attack helicopters. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in Tripoli's southern suburbs.

Unity government talks were previously scheduled in Ghadames on April 14-16, but were postponed on April 9 by UN envoy Ghassan Salame due to the recent fighting. Popular sentiment in Tripoli remains split between supporters and opponents of the Khalifa Haftar-led LNA.

Advice

Individuals in Tripoli are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid areas affected by the fighting, and refrain from nonessential movement within the city.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel .