On 1 May late in the evening, intense clashes started in Surman between militias using light and medium weapons, resulting in several casualties, property damage, and widespread fear among residents. The violence forced educational institutions to suspend classes and prompted authorities to urge people to stay indoors. Libyan Red Crescent teams managed to evacuate eleven families from the combat zone, despite one of their vehicles being struck by stray gunfire.
The militias involved were the al-Kabwat which is affiliated with the 103rd Infantry Battalion aka al-Sila’a, led by Othman al-Lahab, and the al-Jawam’iyah.
On 2 May late in the morning, the fighting calmed down. At least two members of the involved militias were killed, and several more were wounded. On 2 May in the afternoon, the municipality of Surman announced an immediate and permanent ceasefire, rejection of all armed manifestations, and a commitment by all sides to avoid renewed fighting. The municipality pledged support for security forces, activation of reconciliation efforts, and documentation of human and material damage as part of broader efforts to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba ordered a full investigation into the recent armed clashes in Surman, directing the military prosecutor to begin legal procedures and instructing the MoD Undersecretary Zoubi and Libyan Army Acting Chief of Staff al-Namroush to reinforce security in the city.