UPDATE – Armed clashes resume in Libyan capital

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, CHANGES DECK

By Muhammed Semiz and Ahmed Asmar

TRIPOLI, Libya / ANKARA (AA) – Armed clashes resumed in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Wednesday, witnesses said.

The violence erupted between armed groups in Ain Zara, Ras Hassan, and Bin Ashur neighborhoods in the capital, they said.

No information was yet available about injuries.

Judicial Police said several prisoners escaped from Al-Jadida Prison in eastern Tripoli as a result of the clashes near the facility.

Police said most of the escapees were sentenced for serious crimes, warning that the ongoing violence could have serious consequences on security in the capital.

Libyan media said flights were suspended at Mitiga airport due to the clashes, while the Education Ministry suspended classes at schools in the capital.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed concern over the ongoing clashes in Tripoli.

"UNSMIL is deeply alarmed by escalating violence in densely populated neighborhoods of Tripoli for the second night in a row, placing countless civilians at grave risk," it said on X, calling for an "immediate, unconditional" ceasefire in all populated areas.

The clashes first erupted on Monday following the death of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, who heads the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council.

Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011, when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.