As various Tripoli, Misratan and other western region groups began to mobilise in and around the capital in anticipation of an escalation of fighting, Stability Support Agency (SSA) commander Abdul Ghani al-Kikli aka Ghinaywa emerged as the main target for pro-Dabaiba groups.
During the night 7 to 8 May, the SSA mobilized its troops in Tripoli and increased its presence on the streets of the capital. Misratan militias present in Tripoli were also alerted and raised their combat readiness. They claimed that they have monitored suspicious movements of outlaws who have the aim of stirring up chaos and destabilizing Tripoli. Subsequently, most of the other militias and security forces present in Tripoli, Janzour, and Tajoura mobilized.
On 8 May, the Revolutionary Brigades of the Misrata Military Council released a statement, blaming Ghinaywa´s Abu Salim Central Security Force for numerous crimes in the capital over the last years and demanded the hand-over of those responsible for the attack on the headquarters of the LPTIC in Tripoli within 72 hours, including Saif al-Kikli, a nephew of Ghinaywa. They held the Government of National Unity (GNU) and PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba responsible for the persistence of these armed groups who are plundering the state’s resources.
On 8 May and on the following day, militias from Misrata, Zintan and Zawiyya deployed to Tripoli. On the same day, the GNU Ministry of Interior announced that it had taken over security of the LPTIC HQ in Tripoli.