Libya: Armed clashes reported in Ain Zara area following arrest of local militia commander at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport Aug. 14

Event

Armed clashes have broken out in the Ain Zara area of Tripoli District as of late Aug. 14 following the arrest of Mahmoud Hamza, commander of the 444 Brigade militia, by the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DACOCT, affiliated with the RADA Special Deterrence Forces, SDF) at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) earlier in the day. The fighting has impacted the Malakia Mall in the area. Additionally, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are reportedly flying in the Ain Zara area, and several local businesses have closed amid the fighting. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that a gasoline station near Tripoli University has caught fire amid the clashes.

Judicial Police members are reported to be stopping and detaining individuals wearing military uniforms and traveling toward the southern areas of the capital region. Armed personnel have also mobilized on the Airport Road.

Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely in the area over the coming hours. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, cannot be ruled out at MJI over the short term.

Advice

Avoid areas impacted by armed clashes until the situation stabilizes. If fighting breaks out in your area, leave the immediate vicinity and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. If operating in Tripoli, consider taking alternative routes to avoid the fighting. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and your home government.