Calm is restored in Libya’s northwestern city of Zawiya following deadly clashes between armed groups, according to multiple press reports.
The clashes erupted on Saturday when unknown gunmen shot and killed two members of an armed group led by Mohamed Bahroun, also known as Faar, an infamous militant who is allegedly tied to extremists groups.
Mohamed Hassan Bashet and Mahmoud Ashour were reportedly killed in Harsha district in the city. It is unclear why they were targeted by the gunmen.
The violent clashes continued for hours on Saturday evening. Eyewitnesses a mortar shell fell near the headquarters of the Stability Support Apparatus, led by Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, known as Gheniwa. Six people were reportedly injured by the shell, according local press.
The Red Crescent appealed to the warring parties to the end the violence and allow safe passage to civilians that were caught in the crossfire.
The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, was notably silent about the incident. No statement was issued by the premier or any of his affiliated security authorities including the Ministry of Interior.
Meanwhile, Prime minister of the parliament backed-government in Benghazi, Osama Hammed, called for immediate ceasefire
In light of the security tensions that continued throughout Saturday in the city of Zawiya, the head of the Libyan government appointed by Parliament, Osama Hammad, on Sunday, called for immediate ceasefire and appealed to the warring parties resort to judicial and security authorities to address disputes.