Libya: UN attempt to broker truce fails as clashes persist outside Tripoli Apr. 7 /update 4

Event

Forces aligned with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and troops with the Khalifa Haftar-led Libyan National Army (LNA) continued to clash outside Tripoli through Sunday evening (local time), April 7, despite UN efforts to broker a truce. The UN mission to Libya (UNSMIL) had appealed for a two-hour humanitarian truce on Sunday to facilitate civilian evacuations and to account for combat fatalities, although neither side seemingly adhered to the UN's calls.

Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj labeled efforts by Khalifa Haftar an attempted coup as LNA forces reportedly closed in on Tripoli. Unconfirmed reports claim LNA forces carried out airstrikes along the airport road to the city center, captured Khalat al-Fargan district of the capital, and briefly held the non-operational Tripoli International Airport (TIP), although the GNA disputed these claims. Fighting has largely centered near Al-Aziziyah, Checkpoint 27 (10 km [6 mi] west of Tripoli), and TIP since Friday, April 5, with at least 21 reported dead. 

Additional clashes are likely in the Tripoli area over the coming hours and days, though local reporting suggests that it is not in Haftar's interest to trigger widespread conflict in the capital as it would undermine his cultivated image as a guarantor of security in Libya. As of April 7, the conflict remains largely contained to the southern environs of Tripoli, although developments could disrupt air travel from Mitiga International Airport (MJI) and Misrata Airport (MRA).

A heightened security presence and disruptions to movement are nonetheless to be expected in Tripoli amid the state of emergency declared over the capital by GNA Prime Minister al-Sarraj on Thursday, April 4, following the LNA's announcement that they would advance on GNA-aligned positions in Tripolitania region. 

Context

The LNA advance comes ahead of expected unity government negotiations set to take place during the National Conference in Ghadames on April 14-16. On April 6, UN envoy Ghassan Salame confirmed the international body still intends to hold talks despite the recent fighting.

Libya has been divided by 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 the country is likely to remain unstable in the near term amid the ongoing civil war.

Advice

Individuals in Tripoli are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, 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.