Tripoli: Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh announced that security has been restored in Tripoli following armed clashes in the capital. The violence, which erupted on Monday, was concentrated in the Salah al-Din and Abu Salim neighborhoods after the death of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, the head of the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dbeibeh praised the efforts of the ministries of interior and defense, as well as the army and police, for their role in reestablishing security and affirming the authority of the state in the capital. He stated on social media platform X that the recent developments demonstrate the capability of legitimate state institutions to protect the nation and uphold the dignity of its citizens.

The prime minister emphasized the need to eliminate the presence of irregular groups and reinforce the principle that Libya should only be governed by state institutions and the rule of law. Local media, including Libya Al Ahrar TV, reported sporadic gunfire throughout Tripoli following Kikli's death.

Reports indicated that the 444th Brigade, a unit under the Defense Ministry, was involved in the clashes with forces from the Stability Support Apparatus. The Libyan Defense Ministry confirmed that its forces had taken control of the Abu Salim neighborhood and successfully concluded their military operation to contain the unrest.

Libya continues to experience sporadic security challenges due to a political divide that has persisted since 2022. Two rival governments claim authority: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity led by Dbeibeh in Tripoli, which controls the west, and a parallel government in Benghazi led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives, which governs the eastern regions and some southern cities.

Years of UN-led efforts to organize national elections have stalled, prolonging the country's political fragmentation and armed conflict.