The fight between two strong groups in Tripoli’s Tajoura area is worrying people about the city’s safety. This report explains why the fight happened and what it means.
Clashes in Tajoura
The recent fighting in Tripoli’s Tajoura neighborhood has attracted a lot of attention, showing the city’s ongoing instability.
On Friday night, a big fight broke out between two main groups, showing the fragile peace in the area.
The fight involved the Rahba Al-Duruae militia, led by the well-known warlord Bashir Khalfallah, also known as Al-Baqrah, and the Al-Shahida Sabriya militia, another important group in Tajoura.
This fight was very violent, showing the deep-rooted tensions and rivalries that have been building up.
The Rahba Al-Duruae militia, led by Al-Baqrah, has been a strong force in Tripoli, often using force to control the area.
The Al-Shahida Sabriya militia has also become more powerful, leading to conflict between the two groups.
As they fought, it became clear how this would affect the Tajoura neighborhood and Tripoli as a whole.
This overview introduces the situation and explains why the fight happened.
The next sections will look into the reasons for the conflict, what happened that night, and what happened right after.
Each part will be examined to give a full picture of how this fight affected the people living there and the city’s overall safety.
Rahba Al-Duruae & Al-Shahida Sabriya Militias
To understand the recent fights in Tripoli’s Tajoura neighborhood, it’s important to look at the main groups involved: the Rahba Al-Duruae militia and the Al-Shahida Sabriya militia.
The Rahba Al-Duruae militia, led by Bashir Khalfallah, has grown strong over time, starting as a defensive group but becoming more aggressive due to instability in Libya after the revolution.
Their goals include both local interests and larger political aims, making them a powerful force in Tripoli’s militias.
On the other hand, the Al-Shahida Sabriya militia, named after a martyr, was formed to protect communities after Gaddafi’s fall.
Led by those who wanted to keep their neighborhoods safe, they’ve been involved in fights and operations, often defending their areas but also attacking when necessary.
Both groups have deep histories and motivations, which have led to tensions in Tajoura.
The Rahba Al-Duruae militia, with its strong leadership and deep roots, is seen as a major player.
Al-Shahida Sabriya, focused on community defense, is adapting to the current conflict.
Understanding these groups and their histories helps explain the Tajoura conflict as part of a larger, ongoing issue in Tripoli.
This insight is crucial for understanding the reasons behind the fighting.
A political analyst recently wrote about the recent events in Tajoura:
— LIBYA TODAY 24 – ENGLISH (@Libyatoday24) August 10, 2024
*(The "third party" (Al-Radaa) wanted to test Dbeibah's strength by conducting an operation outside their area of influence to avoid losses in case the operation failed and to ensure that it wouldn't be… pic.twitter.com/8iCF7pQpSI
The Clash
A surprise fight broke out in Tripoli’s Tajoura neighborhood on October 10th, as rival militias clashed over control.
The fight started with small weapons but quickly grew intense with more advanced weapons like automatic rifles and mortars.
Both sides brought in more fighters and resources to try and win control of important areas.
The fight began at a militia checkpoint and quickly turned into a major battle.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene with loud gunfire, buildings hit by bullets, and damage to local buildings and infrastructure.
The violence lasted for several hours, turning the neighborhood into a war zone.
The fight saw heavy use of artillery and strategic attacks. Both militias used complex plans to outmaneuver each other.
Despite efforts to negotiate and calls for peace, the fighting continued, leaving civilians in danger and the area in ruins.
At least 50 people were injured or killed, buildings were destroyed, and essential services like power and water were damaged.
Many residents fled, and those who stayed faced ongoing threats and difficulties.
Authorities and international groups called for an immediate stop to the fighting and help for those affected.
They highlighted the need for peace and rebuilding the community.
Eyewitness accounts showed the tragic impact on people and the importance of finding a lasting solution to prevent future conflicts.
