The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned on Sunday the mass killing of 10 individuals, some of whom are reportedly affiliated with state-funded Stability Support Apparatus, in Abu Salim neighbourhood, located in Tripoli.
Unknown gunmen stormed into a house Inside located near Abu Shaala Mosque, in Abu Salim neighbourhood, on Saturday noon and opened fire, killing at least ten people. Two of them were identified by the Stability Support Apparatus as Mohamed Fathi Shanish and Musab Al-Mukhtar Al-Dabaa. Both are members of the Apparatus, which is is affiliated with the Presidential Council.
Head of Security in Tripoli, Khalil Wahiba, said in a press briefing on Sunday that the Public Prosecution is investigating the incident. He said no suspects have been identified so far.
UNSMIL said the incident highlights concerns repeatedly raised by UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, about “the serious risks posed by rivalries between security actors that continue to threaten the fragile security in Tripoli.”
“UNSMIL urges relevant Libyan authorities to ensure an independent, prompt & thorough investigation into the incident and prevent any actions that could lead to escalation and further violence,” concluded the Mission.
Created by the Government of National Unity in January 2021, the Stability Support Apparatus is commanded by one of the most powerful militia leaders in Tripoli, Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, known as “Gheniwa” who was appointed despite the well-documented history of crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations committed by militias under his command, according to Amnesty International.