On 22 March, clashes broke out in Zawiyya, centred in the Dila-Qamouda area. Local human rights organizations confirmed at least one fatality and advised civilians to remain indoors as heavy gunfire intensified. The fighting was between the ‘Sons of Jinn’ and the ‘Sons of Madah’ groups. Light and medium weapons, as well as anti-aircraft guns, were reportedly used in the fighting. The fighting calmed down after a few hours.
On 27 March, a young man aged 20 was killed and two of his companions wounded by an armed group in the area of al-Matarid in western Zawiyya. The incident occurred when armed individuals opened fire on the vehicle in which the victims were travelling. The assailants fled the scene.
Security authorities have opened an investigation to identify and arrest those responsible, amid growing calls to restore order and protect civilians from armed violence.
The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) called on the Ministry of the Interior, the Zawiya Security Directorate, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor at the Zawiyya Court of Appeals to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. They requested that the facts and details be clarified, those accused of committing the crime be apprehended and prosecuted. Impunity for these crimes that undermine the rule of law and justice must be put to an end.
The NIHRL also expressed deep concern about the increasing number of extrajudicial killings in various cities and municipalities, especially in Zawiyya, al-Ajilat, Surman, Sabratha, Tripoli, and Janzour. According to the Institution, this is due to the absence of competent security authorities and their failure to ensure the security, safety, and lives of citizens and residents and protect their property. It is also due to the growing influence of militias and outlaws and the rising number of their crimes.
On 29 March, a bystander, a father of three young kids, died of wounds sustained by stray gunfire in the course of armed clashes in Zawiyya.
On 30 March, another young man was killed with a hail of bullets by unidentified men in Zawiyya. The assailants reportedly belong to the 103rd Infantry Battalion aka al-Sila’a.