Libya engulfed in chaos following top security official's killing
CAIRO – 13 May 2025: The Libyan capital, Tripoli, has been gripped by a state of chaos and unrest in recent hours following violent clashes sparked by the killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, known as "Ghaniwa," the head of the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council, according to Libyan media outlets. Reports indicate the sound of artillery and heavy weapons fire in the Ain Zara and Salah al-Din areas, located in the suburbs of Tripoli.
In the same context, activists and social media users widely circulated a video documenting the moment of storming the headquarters of the Stability Support Apparatus in Tripoli. Libyan media sources reported that Abdul Ghani al-Kikli was killed inside the headquarters of "Brigade 444 Combat," affiliated with the Tripoli Military Zone, on Monday evening, as reported by Al-Qahera News channel.
Libya: Partial Power Outage in Areas of Tripoli
Media reports, including the flight tracking website Flightradar24, indicated the suspension of departure and arrival traffic at Mitiga International Airport in Libya. There are also reports of a curfew being declared in the capital, Tripoli. Libyan media also reported a partial power outage in areas of the capital, Tripoli, according to Al-Qahera News channel.
Libya: Complete Control Over Abu Salim Area in Tripoli
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity in Libya affirmed that it is making efforts to control security and contain the situation. The administration of Mitiga Airport confirmed that airlines have been transferred to Misrata Airport as a precautionary measure. The Ministry of Defense of the Government of National Unity also confirmed that complete control has been established over the Abu Salim area in Tripoli, according to Al-Qahera News channel.
Libya: Calls to Exercise Caution and Not Leave Residences
Regarding international reactions, TASS news agency reported that the Russian Embassy in Libya was not affected by the clashes erupting in Tripoli. Media outlets reported that the Tunisian Embassy in Tripoli called on the Tunisian community to exercise caution and not leave their places of residence.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Tripoli, with heavy weapons fighting intensifying in densely populated civilian neighborhoods. UNSMIL called on all parties to cease fighting immediately and restore calm.
Libya: Mobilization and Military Movements Affiliated with Misrata and Zawiya
The clashes followed a mobilization and military movements affiliated with the cities of Misrata, Zawiya, and Zintan towards the capital, Tripoli, after escalating disputes between the Stability Support Apparatus and the Misrata Joint Force, despite warnings issued by UNSMIL.
The UN mission had called on Libyan parties to "avoid the use of force in resolving the conflict, stop the escalation, and calm the situation," stressing that it is closely monitoring reports regarding military movements and the increasing tension in Tripoli and the western region, urging all parties to "urgently de-escalate, refrain from any provocative actions, and work to settle disputes through constructive dialogue."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
US-EU trade deal wards off further escalation but will raise costs for companies and consumers - International
President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have announced a sweeping trade deal that imposes 15% tariffs on most European goods, warding off Trump's threat of a 30% rate if no deal had been reached by Aug. 1. The tariffs, or import taxes, paid when Americans buy European products could raise prices for U.S. consumers and dent profits for European companies and their partners who bring goods into the country. Here are some things to know about the trade deal between the United States and the European Union: Many details remain to be decided Trump and von der Leyen's announcement, made during Trump's visit to one of his golf courses in Scotland, leaves many details to be filled in. The headline figure is a 15% tariff rate on 'the vast majority' of European goods brought into the U.S., including cars, computer chips and pharmaceuticals. It's lower than the 20% Trump initially proposed, and lower than his threats of 50% and then 30%. Von der Leyen said the two sides agreed on zero tariffs on both sides for a range of 'strategic' goods: Aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products, and some natural resources and critical raw materials. Specifics were lacking. She said the two sides 'would keep working' to add more products to the list. Additionally, the EU side would purchase what Trump said was $750 billion (638 billion euros) worth of natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel to replace Russian energy supplies, and Europeans would invest an additional $600 billion (511 billion euros) in the U.S. 50% U.S. tariff on steel stays, and others might, too Trump said the 50% U.S. tariff on imported steel would remain; von der Leyen said the two sides agreed to further negotiations to fight a global steel glut, reduce tariffs and establish import quotas — that is, set amounts that can be imported, often at a lower rate. Trump said pharmaceuticals were not included in the deal. Von der Leyen said the pharmaceuticals issue was 'on a separate sheet of paper' from Sunday's deal. Where the $600 billion for additional investment would come from was not specified. And von der Leyen said that when it came to farm products, the EU side made clear that 'there were tariffs that could not be lowered,' without specifying which products. The 15% rate is higher than in the past The 15% rate removes Trump's threat of a 30% tariff. It's still much higher than the average tariff before Trump came into office of around 1%, and higher than Trump's minimum 10% baseline tariff. Higher tariffs, or import taxes, on European goods mean sellers in the U.S. would have to either increase prices for consumers — risking loss of market share — or swallow the added cost in terms of lower profits. The higher tariffs are expected to hurt export earnings for European firms and slow the economy. The 10% baseline applied while the deal was negotiated was already sufficiently high to make the European Union's executive commission cut its growth forecast for this year from 1.3% to 0.9%. Von der Leyen said the 15% rate was 'the best we could do' and credited the deal with maintaining access to the U.S. market and providing 'stability and predictability for companies on both sides.' The reaction is tentative German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the deal, which avoided 'an unnecessary escalation in transatlantic trade relations" and said that 'we were able to preserve our core interests,' while adding that 'I would have very much wished for further relief in transatlantic trade.' The Federation of German Industries was blunter. "Even a 15% tariff rate will have immense negative effects on export-oriented German industry," said Wolfgang Niedermark, a member of the federation's leadership. While the rate is lower than threatened, "the big caveat to today's deal is that there is nothing on paper, yet," said Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank. 'With this disclaimer in mind and at face value, today's agreement would bring an end to the uncertainty of recent months. An escalation of the US-EU trade tensions would have been a severe risk for the global economy," Brzeski said. 'This risk seems to have been avoided.' Car companies expect higher prices Asked if European carmakers could still sell cars at 15%, von der Leyen said the rate was much lower than the current 27.5%. That has been the rate under Trump's 25% tariff on cars from all countries, plus the preexisting U.S. car tariff of 2.5%. The impact is likely to be substantial on some companies, given that automaker Volkswagen said it suffered a 1.3 billion euro ($1.5 billion) hit to profit in the first half of the year from the higher tariffs. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. have said they are holding the line on 2025 model year prices 'until further notice.' The German automaker has a partial tariff shield because it makes 35% of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but the company said it expects prices to undergo 'significant increases' in coming years. Trump had cited the trade gap with Europe Before Trump returned to office, the U.S. and the EU maintained generally low tariff levels in what is the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with some 1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in annual trade. Together the U.S. and the EU have 44% of the global economy. The U.S. rate averaged 1.47% for European goods, while the EU's averaged 1.35% for American products, according to the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. Trump has complained about the EU's 198 billion-euro trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more from European businesses than the other way around, and has said the European market is not open enough for U.S.-made cars. However, American companies fill some of the trade gap by outselling the EU when it comes to services such as cloud computing, travel bookings, and legal and financial services. And some 30% of European imports are from American-owned companies, according to the European Central Bank. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
10 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, UK deepen economic, development ties ahead of Madbouly's visit to London
Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, held talks with UK Minister of State for International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, on the sidelines of the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in South Africa. The meeting focused on advancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and global development reform ahead of the upcoming visit by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to the UK. Both officials underscored the strategic significance of the visit, describing it as a pivotal step toward transforming Egyptian-British relations into a deeper partnership. The visit also aligns with Egypt's broader push to strengthen ties with the European Union. Discussions centered on reforming global financial systems to make them more inclusive and accessible for developing countries. The ministers stressed the urgency of implementing international recommendations for greater transparency in financing and called for reforms to the UN's development frameworks to ensure stronger national ownership and coordination. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt's expanding collaboration with the UK in key areas such as food security, entrepreneurship, and SME development. She noted that the UK remains one of Egypt's top foreign investors, with significant engagement in energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. The meeting also reviewed the role of key British financial institutions—including the World Bank, UK Export Finance (UKEF), and British International Investment (BII)—in supporting Egypt's development priorities. BII, which considers Egypt a key market, is actively investing in areas like renewable energy and infrastructure. The ministers acknowledged the contribution of the British-Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) and the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) in fostering stronger commercial links. Al-Mashat outlined the forthcoming launch of Egypt's 'National Narrative for Economic Development,' a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating structural reforms, boosting industrial output, and attracting foreign direct investment. She emphasized that economic measures introduced since March 2024 have stabilized the macroeconomic environment and improved investor confidence. Climate cooperation was also a major theme, with discussions on Egypt's NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) platform and BII's role in financing green hydrogen and clean energy projects. The UK's support for global climate funds—including the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—was noted, along with the joint 'Green Growth: Egypt–UK' initiative, which continues through COP30. Baroness Chapman reaffirmed the UK's commitment to its partnership with Egypt, praising Cairo's historical and humanitarian leadership—particularly its role in supporting Gaza. She also reiterated the UK's call for a sustainable ceasefire to ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening economic and development cooperation and advocating for global financial reforms that empower developing countries.
See - Sada Elbalad
16 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
US, EU Strike Landmark Trade Deal Setting Tariffs at 15%
Taarek Refaat The United States and the European Union have reached a sweeping trade agreement that sets a unified tariff rate of 15% on most goods exchanged between the two economic powers. The announcement came just days before a looming deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to double tariffs on EU imports if a deal was not secured. The agreement, first reported by Politico, covers a wide range of goods, including automotive imports and industrial products. However, pharmaceutical products are notably exempt from the new tariff regime. 'This is a tremendous deal for both the United States and the European Union,' President Trump told reporters following a high-level meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. 'We've leveled the playing field, and we're entering a new era of fair and reciprocal trade.' As part of the accord, the EU has pledged to purchase $750 billion worth of American energy exports over the coming years, a move seen as a strategic effort to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources. The deal also includes a European commitment to increase military equipment investment by an additional $600 billion, compared to previous defense spending plans. In return, U.S. markets will maintain access to European goods under the agreed 15% tariff rate, while the EU has agreed to open its markets to U.S. products without any additional customs duties, marking a significant shift in European trade policy. Experts say the agreement signals a recalibration of U.S.–EU relations after years of friction over tariffs, digital taxes, and industrial subsidies. It also reflects a shared interest in strengthening economic ties amid growing global uncertainty and rising competition from China. 'This is not just about trade. It's about geopolitical alignment,' said Dr. Lisa Reinhardt, a trade analyst at the Atlantic Policy Institute. 'Energy, defense, and market access, this agreement touches every pillar of the transatlantic alliance.' While the details of the agreement will require ratification on both sides of the Atlantic, early market reactions have been positive. European auto stocks rose sharply following the news, and energy sector shares in the U.S. also posted gains. The deal is expected to go into effect later this year, pending legislative approvals. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
