State of emergency declared in Tripoli after senior officer’s death

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
13 May 2025 00:36
1 Shares

Violent clashes erupted in Tripoli after the death of security officer Abdul Ghani Al-Kalaki, prompting Libya’s GNU to declare a state of emergency.

Listen

A militant commander, Wajdi Badri, right, stands next to a Libyan flag as he celebrates the new takeover of the western main square in Sirte, Libya, on September 22, 2011. (AP)

Authorities linked to the Presidential Council of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) declared a state of emergency in Tripoli late Monday, following intense clashes that broke out across the capital after the killing of a senior security officer.

The officer, Abdul Ghani al-Kalaki, believed to be affiliated with GNU security forces, was killed under unclear circumstances. His death sparked widespread violence in several districts of Tripoli, with residents reporting sustained gunfire and explosions as rival armed factions exchanged fire throughout the night.

Clashes erupt after Abdul Ghani al-Kalaki’s killing

The killing of al-Kalaki quickly escalated into a broader confrontation, reflecting the fragile security landscape in the Libyan capital. Though details around his death remain scarce, the incident has underscored the volatility within GNU-aligned forces and their rivals, particularly in urban areas like Tripoli, where militias hold significant sway.

Mitiga International Airport halts all flights

In light of the violence, Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli’s main airport, announced a full suspension of air traffic. Incoming flights were diverted to Misrata Airport, located east of the capital. Local media quoted passengers on a flight from Tunisia who confirmed that their aircraft had been rerouted due to the deteriorating security conditions.

University of Tripoli and key institutions shut down

The unrest prompted the University of Tripoli to suspend all academic and administrative operations, including classes and examinations, until further notice. Several other institutions in the capital have also paused their services in light of the emergency declaration and the ongoing clashes.

Emergency services on high alert as residents told to stay indoors

Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Authority raised its alert level across all Tripoli branches, directing medical personnel to remain on constant standby. In a public advisory, the authority urged all citizens in Tripoli to stay indoors, warning of the unpredictable nature of the clashes. The Ministry of Interior echoed this message, calling on residents to avoid any movement, citing the “critical” and rapidly changing security environment.