The European Union said the latest wave of violence in Tripoli is “a vivid reminder of the fragility of the security situation in Libya and the urgent need for elections in order to find a sustainable and inclusive political solution.”
The fighting was triggered on Tuesday morning when one faction, the Special Deterrence Force, seized the commander of a rival unit, the 444 Brigade, as he tried to travel through Mitiga airport.
Both armed groups reach a ceasefire agreement after two days of clashes which left 55 killed and 146 injured.
In a statement on Wednesday, the E.U. called on “all parties involved in acts of violence to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and to ensure the protection of civilians. ”
“While clashes in Tripoli appear to have subsided, the European Union urges all parties to continue to refrain from armed hostilities and to engage in dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation and restore calm,” said Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“Libyans are tired of being caught in crossfire and deserve their aspirations for peace to be finally heard and fulfilled,” he added.
Libya: 🇪🇺 follows with concern the latest violent events.
While clashes in Tripoli appear to have subsided, EU urges all parties to continue to refrain from armed hostilities,to engage in dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation & restore calm https://t.co/xoUMsMJBml— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 16, 2023