On 23 August, the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to investigate repeated armed clashes in Zawiya and Surman, arguing that the violence has caused civilian deaths and injuries and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure and could constitute war crimes.
The NIHRL said its fact-finding teams had gathered evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks against civilians and civilian property. It argued that Libyan judicial authorities have been unable to conduct effective investigations and urged the ICC to intervene to ensure accountability and address persistent impunity.
On 24 August, militias loyal to Mohamed Bahroun, aka al-Far, clashed with armed groups affiliated with Fares al-Zintani and Hamza al-Hudairi on Omar al-Mukhtar Street in central Zawiya. At least one civilian was wounded by stray bullets.