Militia Clashes Kill Warlord, Six Others in Tripoli, Libya

Violent clashes erupted in Tripoli following the assassination of Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, head of the UN-backed Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), leading to at least six deaths and widespread chaos. The fighting, involving rival militias including the 111th and 444th Brigades, centered around the Abu Salim neighborhood and resulted in heavy gunfire, explosions, arson, and the seizure of SSA offices. Al-Kikli, accused of war crimes by Amnesty International, was reportedly killed during a firefight inside the 444th Brigade headquarters after failed negotiations. The unrest prompted emergency measures, with residents urged to stay indoors, and caused disruption to daily life, including school closures and business shutdowns. The United Nations and the U.S. Embassy called for immediate de-escalation amid concerns about the fragile political situation in Libya. Despite efforts to mediate, the power struggle among militias continues to destabilize the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Libya's post-Gadhafi transition.