Assassination of the leader of the Stability Support Apparatus in Tripoli amidst intense clashes.

In a shocking incident that ignited the Libyan capital, Libyan sources confirmed the killing of Abdulghani Al-Kikli, the commander of the Stability Support Apparatus affiliated with the Presidential Council, known by the nickname "Ghaniwa," inside the "Brigade 444 Combat" headquarters in the military region of Tripoli, following a gunfire attack by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, May 12, as videos circulating on social media showed gruesome scenes of the operation, with four dead bodies, including Al-Kikli and his companions, soaked in blood and surrounded by armed elements. Al-Kikli, who assumed the leadership of the Stability Support Apparatus in 2021, was considered a prominent figure in Tripoli, having previously led the "Central Security" militia, which engaged in several battles with different forces, notably participating in the "Libya Dawn" operation in 2014. Although some sources have not officially confirmed the news yet, Al-Kikli's killing coincided with armed clashes erupting in various areas of Tripoli, where confrontations took place between armed militias and units affiliated with the Government of National Unity. Military movements of militias coming from cities like Misrata, Zawiya, and Zintan towards the capital were observed, raising widespread concerns about the escalation and spread of these clashes. Tripoli witnessed explosions and gunfire on Monday night, with videos circulating on social media documenting the beginning of the clashes. As tensions escalate, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity issued an urgent statement urging citizens to stay in their homes for their safety. As military factions continue their mobilization in the capital, this escalation comes at a sensitive time when political deadlock still dominates Libya's internal situation, further complicating the security situation. According to UN warnings, the coming days are expected to witness an escalation in violence if these confrontations persist. These events come at a critical time for Libya, which continues to lack political solutions, with crisis parties ignoring international calls for de-escalation and achieving a settlement.