On 12 February, Munir al-Suwaih, the Commander of the Libyan Army’s 6th Force, was kidnapped in al-Serraj near the Hayis Market probably by members of the 137th Battalion, which also belongs to the Libyan Army. Both units are based in Janzour, a neighbourhood on the western outreaches of Tripoli.
After a couple of hours, following the intervention of dignitaries from Janzour, al-Suwaih was released.
On 13 February after midnight, heavy fighting erupted between the 6th Force and the 137th Infantry Battalion in the vicinity of the vegetable market in residential neighborhoods in Janzour. Both sides used heavy Infantry weapons, including mortars. Several civilian buildings were hit by mortar bombs.
The emergency room at the al-Dhia Clinic in Janzour was damaged by shrapnel. A store that had been hit, probably by a mortar bomb, caught fire and burned down.
The Emergency Medicine and Support Authority urged residents of Janzour to avoid the areas of fighting, stay away from windows and glass doors, and remain in the safest parts of their homes. No official reports of civilian injuries have been issued so far.
At about 3 am the situation calmed down and elements of the 52nd Infantry Brigade from Zawiyya and of the Counter Security Threats Agency from al-Serraj separated the belligerent parties.
According to some sources, clashes broke out after one side attempted to seize control of a market long dominated by the other. According to the Counter Security Threats Agency, the two groups had agreed that the faction guarding the market would hand over its posts, but delays in the transfer triggered the confrontation. Residents, meanwhile, said the dispute was driven by the lucrative levies armed groups extract from merchants under the guise of providing security.
The General Staff said it was following the recent events with deep concern, calling them a clear breach of the law, military discipline, and orders meant to protect civilians and property. It stressed that units of the West Coast Military District remain committed to regulations and the chain of command, insisting that any violations are individual acts that do not represent the Libyan Army, and that those responsible will face full legal and military consequences. Reaffirming its duty to protect citizens and maintain stability, it condemned the actions of armed elements operating outside the law. The statement assured residents of Janzour and the wider public that regular forces are already deploying to restore calm, secure the area, and prevent further escalation, and concluded by pledging to safeguard lives, property, and overall security.