Clashes broke out in eastern Tripoli this week, sparked by the attempted arrest of a militia member. On 25 April, the Judicial Police, supported by elements of the Special Deterrence Force (Rada), attempted to arrest Moataz Ali al-Nuwaisri aka al-Kiko, who is wanted for drug trafficking, near al-Zawiya Street – al-Qadisiyah Island east of the centre of Tripoli. Al-Kiko and his bodyguards resisted the arrest.
Subsequently, members of the Stability Support Agency (SSA) intervened, blocked the assault force and helped al-Kiko to escape. In the heavy clashes, at least three members of the Judicial Police/Rada were killed. At least one civilian was injured. Several houses were damaged. The Judicial Police and Rada Force vowed to continue to pursue al-Kiko until he is detained. There was no official statement by the MoI, the Ministry of Justice or the Attorney General about the incident.