Tensions have continued to build in Tripoli through the week as a result of the newly-appointed Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) commander Hassan Abu Zuriba attempting to secure the SSA headquarters in the capital, including mobilising forces from Zawiyya.
On 24 June, heavy security tensions erupted in Janzour, west of Tripoli, as armed groups led by Mahmoud Abu Jaafar, an ally of Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far and aligned with Dabaiba, blocked the coastal road at the km 17 Bridge to protest the reopening of the SSA headquarters in the city. The move came in response to the arrival of Hassan Abu Zuriba, newly appointed by al-Menfi to head the SSA, who entered the area under tight security. Despite initial resistance and road closures, Abu Zuriba successfully reached the SSA headquarters and held meetings with local leaders and SSA members. The opposing forces from Abu Jafaar eventually withdrew.
Grand Mufti al-Sadiq al-Ghariyani has strongly criticized the Presidential Council’s (PC) decision to reactivate the SSA, calling it ‘unjust and religiously impermissible.’ He accused the PC of inconsistency and lack of vision, urging an immediate reversal of the decision. He referenced recent UN briefings mentioning the SSA’s alleged involvement in war crimes. He revealed that the Attorney General has issued arrest warrants for about 160 of its members, implicating them in serious crimes, including kidnappings and killings. He also condemned the political protection given to the group while investigations are ongoing, claiming that some wanted individuals are hiding within PC institutions.
On 28 June, SSA commander Hassan Abu Zuriba started to prepare his forces to retake the headquarters of the SSA in Tripoli, claiming this is in line with the order of the PC. Abu Zuriba claimed that his SSA forces are operating under a sovereign mandate and called for dialogue, while simultaneously issuing a deadline to the other forces in Tripoli to hand over the former SSA headquarters in accordance with the presidential directive. He warned that force may be used if the demand is not met. Backed by forces from his home town of Zawiyya, Abu Zuriba also threatened to close the Zawiyya oil refinery if the SSA headquarters, formerly controlled by Abdul Ghani al-Kikli aka Ghinaywa, is not surrendered.
During the night of 30 June, Abu Zuriba moved more troops from Zawiyya to Tripoli, including a number of armoured vehicles.