Militia clashes in Zawia and Surman close main coastal road, Western Municipalities appeal to Tripoli government for help
Fierce militia clashes erupted in Zawia and Surman, west of Tripoli, leading to the closure of the main coastal road. The Western Municipality Bloc appealed to the Tripoli government for immediate intervention. Unconfirmed reports suggest the clashes are between the First Support Division in Zawiya, led by Mohamed Bahroun, and the 103rd Battalion, led by Othman Al-Lahab, both officially recognized by the Tripoli government. The cause of the clashes is unclear, but similar incidents in Zawia have often stemmed from territorial, personal, family, and tribal rivalries. Residents in Zawia were urged to take safety precautions, and the Zawiya Oil Refining Company advised employees not to come to work. In Surman, the Libyan Red Crescent reported difficulty reaching families due to a lack of safe corridors but managed to assist a pregnant woman and later some civilians. The Emergency Medicine and Support Centre evacuated families from affected areas. Prisoners broke out of Surman Prison, with conflicting reports on whether they escaped or were released for safety. Surman Municipality condemned the acts, urged citizens to stay indoors, and suspended municipal operations, declaring an exceptional holiday. A Conflict-Resolution Force was deployed to Surman, bringing calm to the city. The West Coast Municipalities Bloc issued an urgent appeal to the Tripoli government to protect civilians and restore security, holding authorities accountable for a swift response. The Tripoli government
