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UN mission in Libya condemns western clashes, urges probe
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

UN mission in Libya condemns western clashes, urges probe

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemned armed clashes in Surman, western Libya, urging an immediate end to the violence.
  • UNSMIL called for an "immediate and exhaustive" investigation into the clashes, which reportedly caused casualties, and reminded parties of their obligations under international law.
  • The mission also urged Libyan authorities to establish coordination mechanisms for heavy weapons removal to prevent further widespread violence, following criticism from Libya's parliament regarding UNSMIL's perceived inaction.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a strong condemnation of the armed clashes that erupted in Surman, a town in western Libya. The fighting occurred between militias aligned with the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeiba. UNSMIL urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and demanded that all parties involved halt the violence without delay.

According to local media reports, the clashes resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries, although these figures have not been officially confirmed. The fighting reportedly ceased less than 12 hours after it began, with intervention from the 52nd Infantry Brigade of Western Libya. UNSMIL stated it had consulted with "stakeholders" regarding the confrontations and acknowledged the efforts made to de-escalate the situation. The mission reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, UNSMIL urged Libyan authorities to promptly establish coordination mechanisms for the removal of heavy weapons from populated areas. This call aims to prevent the recurrence of widespread violence that has plagued the region in recent weeks. The UNSMIL, established in 2011 to foster peace and institutional unity in Libya, reiterated its support for all initiatives aimed at de-escalation, accountability, and stability in Zawiya and Surman.

This statement from UNSMIL comes five days after Libya's Parliament criticized the mission for its "silence" and lack of a clear stance following previous armed confrontations. Lawmakers deemed it "unacceptable" for such events to occur without a firm position from the UN mission, questioning its adherence to its mandate. The region has seen significant armed clashes before, including a severe confrontation in May 2026 that resulted in at least four deaths and over 30 injuries, marking one of the most intense incidents in Libya that year.

sin demora

— UNSMILThe UN mission urged Libyan authorities to establish coordination mechanisms without delay.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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