UNSMIL has pushed for a permanent ceasefire following the assassination of a militia leader and a surge in violence

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and Libya's Presidential Council affiliated with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's Tripoli-based government have launched a joint truce committee to lay the groundwork for a permanent ceasefire, the UN reported on Sunday.

Clashes broke out in Tripoli on 12 May following the assassination of Abdulghani al-Kikli-known locally as Ghaniwa-who headed the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a powerful militia linked to the Tripoli-based and internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU). He was reportedly shot dead in southern Tripoli, sparking violent confrontations between rival factions.

The newly formed body, chaired by General Mohammed Al-Haddad, Chief of General Staff of the Libyan Army, held its first meeting on Sunday. According to a statement posted on X, the committee discussed lasting security arrangements for Tripoli and prioritizing the protection of civilians.

UNSMIL has expressed alarm over reports of civilian casualties stemming from recent armed confrontations and called for an immediate end to hostilities.

Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah addressed the unrest in the capital in a televised speech on Tabadul TV, urging armed groups to disband and integrate into official state institutions. "As for those who persist in blackmail and corruption, we will not be lenient," he said.

On 13 May, Libya's Defense Ministry announced it had re-established control over key flashpoints in Tripoli. However, violence resumed later between GNU-aligned forces and fighters from the Special Deterrence Force (Rada).

The following day, Libya's Security Directorates Support Agency (DSA) reported that its deputy leader, Colonel Ali Al-Jabri, had survived an assassination attempt in a Tripoli neighborhood that had seen days of unrest.

The clashes have also impacted maritime operations. On Saturday, German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced a temporary halt to "all vessel calls to and from Tripoli, and will not accept any new bookings related to this port."

Libya has been wracked by violence and lawlessness since the NATO-backed overthrow and murder of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Factions control different parts of the once-prosperous African country, with two rival governments based in Tripoli and the city of Tobruk.

UNSMIL has warned that the current situation could spiral out of control if urgent steps toward de-escalation are not taken.

(RT.com)