One dead, two injured in Zawiya clashes

One person has been killed and two others injured in armed clashes in central Zawiya, sources in the city said.

The fighting reportedly broke out on Thursday evening between the Anti-Threats Security Apparatus and another armed group, following the killing of a member of the apparatus, Mohamed Aribi. He was shot while travelling from his home to work, according to a statement from the agency.

No official authority has commented on the incident in the city, which has seen repeated bouts of instability.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) warned on Tuesday of a “security escalation” and continued mobilisation of armed groups in Zawiya, urging all sides to exercise restraint ahead of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement, the mission also expressed concern over what it described as a rise in assassinations in the city and surrounding areas, warning it could trigger further violence and put civilians at greater risk.

At least 10 people were killed and more than 20 injured in similar clashes on 8 May, after local authorities launched a security operation targeting “criminal groups” and individuals threatening public order.