On 12 April, Ahmed al-Zukairi, a close confident of Salem al-Latif, and his brother were kidnapped by militias of al-Far. Salem al-Latif is a local Zawiyya militia leader who is backed by the al-Kabwat.
On 14 April, militias aligned with Salem al‑Latif deployed with some armoured vehicles along Bin Yusuf Road in the al‑Harsha area of Zawiyya. According to local reports, fighters loyal to Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far, the deputy commander of the Counter Security Threats Agency, were preparing to launch an attack on al‑Latif’s farm that night. Residents living near the rival positions were reportedly instructed to evacuate as a precaution ahead of potential clashes. The situation did not escalate.
On 15 April, gunmen loyal to al-Far abducted four young men as they were heading toward Tunisia. In the evening, in retaliation, Salem al‑Latif’s group reportedly kidnapped Salem Bahroun, the cousin of al-Far, while he was on a street in Zawiyya. Thereafter, militias mobilized across the city, preparing for an escalation.
In the late evening, clashes broke out in Zawiyya, with some heavy fighting in densely populated areas. The main area of fighting was initially around Ben Yusuf Road and Harsha roundabout, where Salem al‑Latif’s forces, backed by the al-Kabwat, confronted units loyal to al-Far. Clashes spread to several other areas of the city, with reports of damage to public and private property. Both sides mobilized further reinforcements while the fighting led to growing panic among residents near the front lines.
The fighting called down by the next day, 16 April, in the morning.
On 18 April, a young man named was shot and killed with a hail of bullets by unidentified armed men in the Abu Sura area, int the southeast of Zawiyya.
On 19 April, a young man was kidnapped by an armed group affiliated with al-Far.
On 20 April, the Abu Sura Social Council condemned the killing of the young man on 18 April and exposed the name of the (alleged) perpetrator. The Social Council affirmed its rejection of violence, demanded an immediate investigation and that those responsible be brought to justice.