On 17 May, soon after midnight local time, the House of Representatives (HoR) appointed Prime Minister and head of the Government of National Stability (GNS), Fathi Bashaagha, arrived in Tripoli via Mitiga airport. Bashaagha’s arrival was announced by his media team and advisors while his entrance was secured by the Nawasi Brigade, who openly declared their support for him. Bashaagha published a short video where he stated that he would give a press conference on the morning of 18 May. However, following Bashaagha’s arrival in the capital, several militias aligned with Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba mobilised in response, including elements of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) led by Ayoub Aburas and armed groups from Tajoura. By the morning of 17 May, Bashaagha had been forced to withdraw from Tripoli, reportedly escorted out by the 444 Brigade who guaranteed his safety in exchange for a ceasefire. Clashes reportedly took place on Al-Shatt Road and Bridge 17 (towards Janzour), with armed groups aligned with the GNU, including the SSA, apparently targeting the Nawasi Brigade. A member of the 166 Brigade was reportedly killed, with others injured.
