Tripoli: Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh announced his government's unwavering commitment to dismantling militias and armed groups that have proliferated in the country. He emphasized that the security plan will proceed without compromise to ensure these groups are eliminated.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dbeibeh, in an interview with Libya's al-Ahrar TV, highlighted the rise of armed formations not linked to national defense and interior ministries, which surfaced due to Libya's volatile security situation post-2011. He stated, "We are continuing our security plan. We will not back down from eliminating militias and armed formations. Whoever does not want war to be declared against them must abide by the state, its institutions, and laws."

Dbeibeh lamented the fact that these groups failed to integrate into state institutions, calling their actions a "coup against the state, not the government." He revealed that some aircraft used by these groups for illicit activities have been confiscated, describing them as organized criminal gangs. He also noted that the weaponry held by these formations surpasses that of the state and has been used to extort official institutions.

The Prime Minister disclosed that around 125 arrest warrants have been issued for suspects from the Rada militia group near Mitiga Airport. He assured that efforts to combat non-state armed formations will persist, asserting that all ports and airports will be placed under state control. "The time has come to take back the state," he declared.

Addressing Libya's international relations, Dbeibeh described ties with Trkiye as "very good," with mutually beneficial trade and political relations aligning with Libya's interests. He also expressed respect for the views of anti-government protesters in Tripoli but warned against actions like roadblocks and arson.

In the aftermath of the killing of Abdelghani "Ghneiwa" al-Kikli, the commander of the Stability Support Unit in Tripoli on May 12, intense clashes erupted, leading to the Libyan government announcing that the 444th Brigade, aligned with the defense ministry, had taken control of the Stability Support Unit's headquarters in Abu Selim district. Congratulating the army and police for establishing state authority in Tripoli, Dbeibeh remained resolute in his stance against armed formations.

Clashes continued on May 14 between the Rada militia group and government forces, with visible smoke from buildings in parts of Tripoli. A ceasefire was declared later by Libya's Defense Ministry to protect civilians. Muhammed Abdulvehab, Tripoli Municipality Health Affairs Officer, reported that the two-day conflict resulted in six deaths and 70 injuries.