Western Libya militias keep fighting

Ahmed Adel

Tensions are raging on between the militias of Tajoura, known as the Lions of Tajoura, and the al-Daman militia. Both militias are affiliated to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

These tensions have turned western Libya into a battlefield, one where everybody is fighting for money.

GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj strives to force the militias fighting in Tajoura to suspend their acts of hostility.

Clashes erupted between the two militias on September 25. Both militias used heavy arms which caused a human toll on both sides. The fighting also caused material damage, especially for private properties.

This is forcing Sarraj to enlist help from terrorist Salah Badi who arrived to Tajoura leading a convoy of 30 military vehicles to put pressure on the fighting militias.

The Lewa al-Somoud militia, which is commanded by Badi, is the military arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Libya.

Badi had been behind the founding of the Dawn of Libya militia in 2014. This militia overran Tripoli Airport. He worked as an officer under the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. During the February 17 protests, he formed the Misurata militia.

On September 25, the United Nations said the clashes taking place between the Lions of Tajoura, and the al-Daman militia took place in residential areas, putting the lives of civilians at risk.

It added on Twitter that it followed the clashes with deep concern.

The United Nations called for an immediate suspension of hostilities between the two sides.

It added that the clashes proved once more the need for reforming the security establishment in Libya.