Clashes in Tripoli between Rada and TRB

Jul 21, 2022 | Libyan actors

Beginning on the evening of 21 July and continuing intermittently until the early evening of 22 July, the Special Deterrence Force (Rada) and the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB) clashed in Tripoli. The clashes took place in Tripoli’s Ain Zara, al-Furnaj, and Sabaa neighbourhoods. The TRB-affiliated Presidential Guard (PG) and Rada-affiliated Judicial Guard took part in the fighting, with the Nawasi Brigade also reportedly intervening to assist Rada. Medium and heavy weapons were deployed including howitzers and tanks. The 444 Brigade mobilised and closed off several roads in order to mediate a peaceful resolution to the clashes. On 22 July, a ceasefire was reached after Rada assumed control of several key TRB/PG bases, including the PG headquarters. At the time of writing, TRB and PG forces are reportedly isolated in Tripoli’s Sabaa and Souq al-Jumaa neighbourhoods. According to the Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Health, 16 people were killed and 52 injured. During the clashes, flights were suspended from Mitiga International Airport and diverted to Misrata Airport.