Libya: Residents in Houn (Fezzan region) protest over extra-judicial killings July 10-11

Event

Locals in Houn (Jufra district; Fezzan region) gathered on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, to protest against an escalation in killings, kidnappings, and torture linked to militias loyal to the Libyan National Army (LNA). The protests were sparked by the killings of three young men allegedly carried out by militias loyal to General Khalifa Haftar's forces. A militia group known commonly as the 128 brigade has reportedly launched a campaign of arrests in response to the unrest.

Further unrest and a heightened security presence are expected in Houn over the near term.

Context

Tensions have risen in Houn after the recent deaths of three youths, all of which were reportedly linked to Haftar's militias. Two people were arrested without charge and were found dead with signs of torture and another was killed in front of their house by an individual in an armed vehicle. A woman was reportedly killed in the town by militias on July 11, which could lead to further unrest.

Advice

Those in Houn are advised to monitor developments, anticipate localized disruption, and heed any directives issued by local authorities. All demonstrations and political gatherings in Libya should be avoided due to the risk of incidental violence and aggressive crowd-dispersal operations by security forces.