Sabratha residents confined to homes amid armed confrontations
BY Libyan Express Jun 06, 2025 - 15:37 Updated: Jun 06, 2025 - 15:38 Former Libyan UN Security Council Ambassador Ibrahim al-Dabbashi
Fighting broke out in the western city of Sabratha during Eid prayers, according to former Libyan UN Security Council Ambassador Ibrahim al-Dabbashi.
In a Facebook post, al-Dabbashi stated that religious observances were interrupted when 'the takbir (saying 'Allahu Akbar') stopped in the mosque, the sound of bullets and RPGs increased, and armoured vehicles were deployed between the houses and around the mosque.'
Al-Dabbashi reported that residents of Sabratha were required to remain in their homes, resulting in the cancellation of Eid prayers and celebrations.
The former ambassador said the clashes involved armed groups and cited vendettas, revenge, and disputes over financial gains as underlying factors. He described the groups as receiving funding from governing authorities while claiming loyalty to them.
Al-Dabbashi noted an increase in young casualties and called for an end to violence and national unity.
Sabratha is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Tripoli. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libyan Express
10 hours ago
- Libyan Express
UN's Libya plans face sharp criticism
UN mission under fire amid political crisis The Libyan capital, Tripoli, is experiencing a growing wave of public frustration with the performance of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Increasingly, citizens perceive the mission not as part of the solution but rather as a burden on the country's political process and stability. During a field survey, Libyan Express gathered opinions from several residents who expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they described as the mission's absence from the realities on the ground. They emphasised that the mission's presence has failed to bring any tangible improvements to Libya's political or economic conditions or to the daily lives of its people. This discontent coincided with protests held outside the UN mission's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators raised slogans condemning what they described as the ongoing deterioration of the political and economic situation across Libya. The protesters demanded a reassessment of the mission's role and its withdrawal, accusing it of failing to provide real solutions. Citizen Ramadan Khaled stated that the mission is no longer a trustworthy party in political settlements, asserting that it has become part of the problem itself. He called for its removal, citing a lack of seriousness and commitment. Meanwhile, Ms Fawziya Ben Ali described the mission's activities as limited to formal meetings, dialogues, and overseas trips, with no real impact inside Libya. Researcher Dr Ibrahim Mohammed argued that the mission's efforts merely recycle old proposals that had been presented in previous years, lacking clear timelines or implementation mechanisms, which undermines its credibility. Additionally, some citizens accused the mission of executing foreign agendas that do not reflect Libyan aspirations but rather serve international interests detached from local realities. In related developments, the UN mission announced on 4 February the formation of an advisory committee composed of twenty Libyan experts in an effort to revive the political process. This initiative forms part of the mission's multi-track approach, which it submitted to the UN Security Council during its session on 16 December 2023. On 20 May, the mission revealed the committee's recommendations, stating that they represent Libyan advice intended to be considered in the next phases of the political process it facilitates. The goal is to build consensus, unify state institutions, and move forward toward elections. These efforts come amid a severe political crisis in Libya characterised by the existence of two rival governments. The first, led by Osama Hammad, is based in Benghazi and was appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022; it controls the eastern regions and most of the south. The second is the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, based in Tripoli, governing the western part of the country. Despite the mission's ongoing attempts to support the political process, popular trust remains low amid rising frustration and concerns that the UN's initiatives may amount to mere formalities without delivering real change.
Libyan Express
11 hours ago
- Libyan Express
Turkey rejects EU criticism of maritime deal with Libya
BY Libyan Express Jun 28, 2025 - 07:52 Turkey accuses EU of bias over maritime pact with Libya Turkey has dismissed European Union criticism of its 2019 maritime agreement with Libya, describing the EU's position as unhelpful to regional peace and stability. In a statement on Friday, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli responded to conclusions adopted by the European Council on 28 June 2025. The statement said the EU stance reflected the efforts of Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration to advance maritime claims that Ankara argues are incompatible with international law and the principle of equity. The maritime memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's then-UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), defines maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey maintains that the deal is legally valid and in line with international law. Keçeli said Ankara would not accept attempts to undermine what it considers its legitimate rights and interests in the region. He also said the EU's approach to maritime boundary issues—described as legally and technically complex—was politically biased and unlikely to contribute to stability. Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have risen in recent years due to competing maritime claims and energy exploration activities involving Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and other regional actors. The European Council's final communiqué is expected to express support for Greece's position on the Turkey-Libya agreement and address concerns related to irregular migration routes from the Libyan coast to southern Europe. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
17 hours ago
- Libyan Express
Iran sends warning to Trump and Israel over threats and insults
BY Libyan Express Jun 28, 2025 - 05:11 Araghchi warns Trump and Israel: Iran will not tolerate threats Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that Israel has 'no refuge but the United States' in the face of Iranian military power, and warned that Tehran would not tolerate insults or threats directed at its leadership or sovereignty. In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi praised what he described as the resilience and national dignity of the Iranian people, drawing a comparison to the craftsmanship of Persian carpets. 'The complexity and resilience of the Iranian people are clearly reflected in our exquisite carpets—woven with infinite patience and countless hours of dedicated work,' he wrote. 'But in terms of national principles, we are a straightforward and rational people: we know what we possess, we value our independence, and we will not allow anyone to determine our fate.' Turning to former US President Donald Trump, Araghchi urged him to adopt a more respectful tone if any future agreement with Iran is to be taken seriously. 'If Mr Trump is genuinely seeking an agreement, he must abandon the disrespectful and unacceptable language he has used towards the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and avoid offending the millions of his loyal followers.' He continued by asserting that Israel had sought protection from Washington in the face of Iranian missile capabilities. 'The great Iranian people have shown the world that the Zionist regime had no other means of survival than seeking shelter with its 'spoilt father'—the United States. Iran does not tolerate threats or insults. And if delusions escalate into greater mistakes, we will not hesitate to reveal our real capabilities. At that moment, all illusions about Iran's strength will vanish.' Araghchi concluded with a message emphasising reciprocal diplomacy: 'Goodwill is met with goodwill, and respect is met with respect.' His remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and renewed scrutiny over Iran's relationship with both Israel and the United States. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
