Libya Faces New Crisis as Rival Forces Mobilize in Tripoli
These forces are believed to have been deployed as part of the preparations by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba's government for a potential military confrontation with the Special Deterrence Force, also known as the Radaa Force, led by Abdelraouf Kara.
According to local reports, Dbaiba's government is facing a shortage of loyal fighters, as several armed factions, particularly those based in Zawiya, have refused to join the anticipated conflict or have maintained their support for the powerful Radaa Force.
The same sources report that Dbaiba's government is urgently recruiting additional fighters from across Libya and may even consider bringing in foreign mercenaries to strengthen its position and attempt to quickly secure victory if hostilities break out.
The Radaa Force is widely recognized as one of the most powerful armed groups in Tripoli. It operates with significant autonomy, despite its formal affiliation with state security institutions. The force controls several key facilities in the capital and is closely associated with the Salafi-Madkhali ideology, making it a major political and military player in Libya's fragmented security landscape.
The deployment of southern forces to Tripoli has triggered growing fears of an imminent armed confrontation that could plunge the city back into violent conflict. Analysts warn that a clash between Dbaiba's government and the Radaa Force could destabilize Tripoli and exacerbate Libya's broader political crisis.
No official comments have been made by either Dbaiba's government or the Radaa Force regarding these military movements. However, the situation in Tripoli remains highly volatile, with observers closely monitoring the developments. Tags: Abdulhamid DbaibaArmed Clasheslibyatripoli
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
25 minutes ago
- Libya Review
ICC Investigates Death of Anti-Government Activist in Tripoli
The Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed it is closely monitoring the case of Libyan activist Abdul Moneim Al-Mariami, who died recently under suspicious circumstances while in custody. The office reiterated its commitment to ending impunity for crimes committed in Libyan detention centres. In a statement to Arabi21, the Prosecutor's Office stressed that the ICC is following developments related to Al-Mariami's death as part of its broader investigation into human rights violations in Libya's prisons and detention facilities. While declining to comment on specific details, the ICC said its silence regarding ongoing investigations or potential charges is essential to maintaining the integrity of the legal process and ensuring the safety of victims, witnesses, and others involved with the Court. The ICC's response comes amid mounting domestic and international outrage following Al-Mariami's death. Calls have intensified for a thorough and transparent investigation, with human rights groups and civil society activists demanding accountability for those involved. Al-Mariami, a vocal critic of Libya's interim government and an outspoken advocate for the release of his uncle, Abu Agila Masud—who is detained in the US over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing—was reported to have died after sustaining injuries in a detention facility run by Libya's Internal Security Agency in Tripoli. His case has reignited fears over the treatment of detainees and the prevalence of arbitrary arrests in Libya. The incident has also fuelled broader concerns regarding the shrinking space for civil activism and freedom of expression in the country. The ICC reiterated its ongoing commitment to addressing serious human rights abuses in Libya and emphasised that justice for victims remains a top priority. Tags: Abdul Moneim Al-Mariamiicclibyatripoli
Libya Review
25 minutes ago
- Libya Review
Attorney General Orders Arrest of 172 Libyan Security Officers for Torture & Murder
On Wednesday, Libya's Attorney General issued arrest warrants for 172 members of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), following investigations that revealed their involvement in serious crimes, including murder, torture, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention. According to an official statement, the investigative committee assigned to the case documented 146 incidents of severe human rights violations committed by members of the Apparatus. These crimes included unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and illegal detentions. The investigation confirmed the direct involvement of numerous SSA personnel in these violations. The Attorney General also confirmed that 11 suspects have already been placed in pre-trial detention as investigations continue. He has instructed all law enforcement bodies to act swiftly in executing the arrest orders. Authorities were also directed to identify the current locations of the suspects and to coordinate with their workplaces to suspend them from duty, ensuring their compliance with judicial proceedings. The investigation involved the testimonies of 201 individuals, shedding light on the depth of abuses linked to the agency. Meanwhile, search efforts remain ongoing to locate several missing persons connected to these cases. In his statement, the Attorney General reaffirmed that Libya remains committed to pursuing justice and holding all violators accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation. He stressed that protecting human rights and ensuring justice are non-negotiable priorities for the state. The Stability Support Apparatus has been one of the most powerful and controversial security forces in Libya, long accused of operating beyond the rule of law. The agency has faced repeated allegations from both local and international human rights organizations regarding arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. This unprecedented legal action represents a significant step by the Libyan judiciary toward addressing longstanding demands for accountability and justice in the country, which has been marred by years of conflict, lawlessness, and the unchecked power of armed groups. Tags: Attorney GeneralCrimeslibyaSecurity Officerstorture
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
EU Reaffirms Commitment to Libya Despite Benghazi Fallout
The European Commission stated on Wednesday that the cancellation of a high-level EU delegation's meetings in Benghazi was due to a 'protocol issue,' downplaying political tensions and reaffirming the EU's commitment to engagement with all Libyan parties. Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert told reporters the Benghazi leg of the Team Europe visit had been planned as part of a broader diplomatic mission involving EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, alongside interior ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta. 'What happened in Benghazi was a protocol issue. This is why it was not possible to carry out the planned meetings,' Lammert said. He added that the EU would maintain communication channels with all Libyan stakeholders. Deputy chief spokesperson Stefan de Keersmaecker declined to elaborate further, noting that the visit had been coordinated jointly with EU member states. 'We're not here playing a blame game,' he said. The visit had successfully begun in Tripoli, where the delegation held discussions with Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), focusing on deepening cooperation to address surging irregular migration flows. However, the situation took a sharp turn on Tuesday when the delegation landed in Benghazi. Libya's eastern-based government, under Prime Minister Osama Hammad and backed by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, declared the visiting officials 'persona non grata,' ordering their immediate departure from Benina Airport. The eastern authorities cited breaches of diplomatic protocols and Libyan law. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, part of the delegation, later said the incident would not damage Italy's long-standing cooperation with Libya. Maltese Minister Byron Camilleri similarly referred to the abrupt cancellation as due to a 'protocol issue.' Despite the diplomatic friction, EU officials stressed their continued commitment to engagement with both eastern and western Libyan authorities. Tags: benghazieulibyaLibyan Government
