The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called for an immediate end to the recent violence in Libya’s capital Tripoli Tuesday.

The statement called for peace following the most recent clashes:

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya is following with concern security incidents and developments in Tripoli since yesterday and their impact on the civilian population. The Mission reminds all parties involved of their responsibility under international law to protect civilians. 

The most recent outbreak of violence is believed to have begun when a commander of the 444 Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, was taken captive by his former faction and current rival the Special Deterrence Force (SDF). Hamza was released and returned to his unit Wednesday. The 444 Brigade is associated with the Libyan Defense Ministry, and the SDF is effectively Tripoli’s police force, known for its extreme conservative ideology. Both groups have become the most powerful military forces since the previous dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled from power in 2011 in the Libyan civil war.

In 2020, a ceasefire was reached between most major factions. The UN called for the ceasefire to be respected, stating, “UNSMIL calls for immediate de-escalation and an end to the ongoing armed clashes. Violence is not an acceptable means to resolve disagreements. All parties must preserve the security gains achieved in recent years and address differences through dialogue.”