As tensions in Tripoli intensified following an attack by the Misrata-led Joint Operations Force against the Stability Support Agency (SSA) in Khoms earlier in the week, the situation escalated with the killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli aka Ghinaywa, the commander of the SSA.
On 12 May in the morning, the bulk of the First Support Force of Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far deployed with about 200 vehicles from Zawiyya to Tripoli (in support of Ghinaywa). The 63th (Misrata) Infantry Brigade also deployed to Tripoli in the morning. Minister of Interior (MoI) Emad Trabelsi ordered the 444 Brigade to deploy to Ghariyan to expel the SSA and the 555th Infantry Brigade from the city and the Western Mountains.
In the evening, SSA commander Ghinaywa and a number of his bodyguards were killed at Camp Tekbali, the HQ of the 444 Brigade in Tripoli.
Allegedly, Ghinaywa was at the HQ of his opponents in Khaled al-Furjan in southern Tripoli for an official meeting after sunset prayers. He was escorted by ten bodyguards. Other participants to the meeting were Military Intelligence Director (and Commander of the 444 Brigade) Mahmoud Hamza, Deputy Minister of Defense (MoD) Abdussalam Zoubi, MoI Emad Trabelsi and his brother Abdullah Trabelsi aka al-Farawila, commander of the Public Security Force, and a number of Misrata militia leaders. The meeting allegedly escalated and developed into an armed clash. Other sources indicate that the intention was always to kill Ghinaywa having lured him to the meeting.
In addition to Ghinaywa and his bodyguards, three attendees from Misrata were killed. Several other participants to the meeting were wounded. A little bit later, Ghinaywa´s corpse was brought to the Abu Salim Hospital. Pictures of his body were widely circulated on Libyan social media.
Several civilian airplanes were flown from Mitiga airport to Misrata to protect them from any fighting in the capital. The University of Tripoli announced the suspension of studies, exams and administrative work until further notice. GECOL said that electricity was cut off in several areas of the capital due to the clashes.
The Ministry of the Interior called on all citizens in the Tripoli area to stay in their homes in order to preserve their safety. The Ambulance and Emergency Service issued urgent directives to raise readiness inside Tripoli, and called on its surrounding branches to support the Service in the city.
After Ghinaywa’s death, pro-Dabaiba forces moved to secure the SSA stronghold of Abu Salim and it seems the SSA and its allies were largely routed from the capital. Later on in the evening of 12 May, some heavy fighting started in the areas of Ain Zara and Salahadeen as well as in Addrebe between the SSA and militias from Misrata and the 444 Brigade. After a brief fight, the 111th Brigade and the 444 Brigade occupied the SSA HQ in the Plateau Project area. Before midnight, the 111th Brigade was advancing into Abu Salim without facing much resistance.
A number of SSA leaders and fighters attempted to escape towards Zawiyya. The First Support Force also returned to Zawiyya after the Zintanis in western Tripoli granted them free passage. Rada reinforced its troops protecting Mitiga airport. Lufti al-Harari, head of the Tripoli Internal Security Agency (ISA) and deputy head of the SSA, has reportedly been captured.
The 10th (Ghariyan) Force in Ghariyan occupied the HQs and many checkpoints of the local SSA and of the 555th Infantry Brigade.
Overnight from 12 to 13 May, the Government of National Unity (GNU) MoD said that it has control over the entire Abu Salim region and that ‘the military operation has ended successfully’. It confirmed it has given its instructions to ‘complete its plan in the region to ensure sustained security and stability’.
The Emergency Medicine and Support Center announced the recovery of six bodies from the sites of the clashes.