The Libyan government comments on the outbreak of clashes in the city of Zawiya

After clashes intensified between armed groups in the city of Zawiya, located in northwestern Libya, leaving dead and wounded, the head of the Libyan government appointed by Parliament, Osama Hammad, on Sunday, called on everyone to immediately cease fire and resort to official state agencies.

He confirmed on the “X” platform that he is following with concern the current armed clashes taking place in the city of Zawiya, in which heavy and medium weapons were used, and left a number of dead and wounded.”

Hammad also called on all armed groups to immediately cease fire and resort to official state agencies.

This came after clashes broke out after two people from the Harsha area of ​​the city were injured, between unidentified armed groups, according to Libyan television.

The Ambulance and Emergency Service was quoted as warning those traveling on the coastal road at Al-Zawiya to exercise caution due to the ongoing clashes there.

Ambulance and Emergency Spokesman Osama Ali also called on the Ministry of Interior of the National Unity Government to intervene to stop the clashes in Al-Zawiya and advised those wishing to use the coastal road to take side roads.

Armed escalation without solution
The city of Zawiya, which is full of armed groups, always witnesses frequent clashes. Last month, it witnessed similar confrontations between the “Aburas” militias and the “Al-Qasab” militias, which are two of the largest militias controlling the city and stationed inside it.

While this military tension provides vivid evidence of the presence of signs of armed escalation at any possible time between the competing factions, in light of the continuing political stalemate and the faltering failure to reach a solution that will end the crisis and division of the country.

It also reflects the lack of ability to control the various security services and armed groups in the west of the country.

This security chaos would undermine the ongoing efforts to create a security environment conducive to holding the elections, and also underscores the urgent need to centralize unified military and security institutions in the country.

In addition, Libya’s leaders have not yet reached understandings that lead to holding elections and consolidating legitimate authority, due to disagreements over the road map leading to the solution, the basis of the constitutional rules that regulate the electoral process and the conditions for running for the presidency, due to governmental and administrative division and the ongoing struggle over power and wealth. ( Arabic)