Iran urges immediate end to deadly violence in Libyan capital
Iran has expressed concerns about the continuation of deadly armed clashes in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, calling for an immediate end to the violence and bloodshed there.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Thursday amid reports of clashes between the Radaa armed group and the 444 Brigade, loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibeh, in Tripoli.
He urged all parties involved in the confrontations to help restore calm to Libya, pursue the path of dialogue and interaction to resolve their differences, and not allow destructive foreign interference in Libya’s affairs.
The spokesman also expressed sympathy with the families of those killed and injured in the violence.
The clashes first erupted on Monday following the killing of major militant chief Abdelghani al-Kikli and the sudden defeat of his Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) group by factions aligned with Dbeibeh.
The following day, the UN-recognized government said it had begun asserting control. A ceasefire also came into effect across Tripoli on Wednesday.
However, witnesses and local media reported a resumption of the fighting.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called for calm, warning that the situation could “spiral out of control”.
“Attacking and damaging civilian infrastructure, physically harming civilians, and jeopardizing the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under international law. Those responsible will be held accountable for their actions,” it added.
UNSMIL condemns the rapid escalation of violence in Tripoli and the mobilization of forces in other parts of the country. It warns that the situation could quickly spiral out of control. The Mission is deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties. UNSMIL reiterates it calls… pic.twitter.com/iuEIQyOogo
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) May 14, 2025
Libya has been embroiled in a political conflict since long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, leading to the emergence of several armed groups.
Despite a 2020 ceasefire, the country remains divided, with the Government of National Unity ruling in Tripoli and the country’s northwest and the Government of National Stability ruling in Benghazi in the east.
