Heavy clashes erupted in Libya’s capital late Monday, plunging Tripoli into chaos and prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings for residents to remain indoors.

The Ministry of Health declared a state of emergency across Tripoli and surrounding areas, as gunfire rang out in the Salah al-Din and Abu Salim neighborhoods.

The Interior Ministry of the Government of National Unity (GNU) called on citizens to stay home to ensure their safety, while the Education Ministry authorized schools to suspend classes and exams on Tuesday to protect students and staff. Hospitals and medical centers were ordered to operate at maximum emergency preparedness.

Local media and eyewitnesses reported intense fighting between the 444th Brigade, a Defense Ministry-affiliated unit, and forces loyal to the Stability Support Apparatus, a powerful GNU-aligned militia. Unconfirmed reports of the death of militia leader Abdel Ghani al-Kikli may have sparked the violence, according to Libya Al Ahrar TV.

Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli’s main air hub, faced disruptions, with a temporary suspension of flights reported, though officials later stated operations were technically unaffected. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the U.S. Embassy urged all factions to de-escalate and resolve disputes through dialogue.

Libya’s ongoing political divide, with rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi, continues to fuel instability. Stalled UN efforts to hold national elections have deepened the crisis, raising fears of further violence in the capital. (ILKHA)