On 10 January before midnight, tensions escalated into heavy fighting at al-Qawiaah, northwest of al-Qarabulli and east of Tajoura, between troops of the 111th (Misrata) Brigade, led by Ministry of Defense Undersecretary for Regions and Military Affairs Abdussalam Zoubi, and units from the 444 Brigade, which is led by Military Intelligence Director Major General Mahmoud Hamza. The confrontation began when members of the 444 Brigade attacked a checkpoint of the 111th Brigade position, triggering wider mobilizations in the region.
In the early hours of the next day, the situation calmed down after forces from Bashir al-Bugra’s 51st (Tajoura) Infantry Brigade and from the (Misrata) Counterterrorism Force had deployed across several streets in al-Qawiaah, while the 444 Brigade withdrew a couple of kilometres toward Tarhouna.
On 11 January, Mahmoud Hamza affirmed during a meeting with elders and residents of Souq al‑Jumaa that Tripoli and its districts will remain stable and secure, and not become arenas for conflict. He emphasized the need for stronger coordination among military and security bodies in the interest of the country and its citizens. The gathering was described by the 444 Brigade as a positive show of unity and support for the Libyan military.