The leader, Abdulghani Kikli, known as Ghaniwa, is the commander of the Support Force Apparatus (SSA), one of Tripoli’s powerful armed groups, based in the densely populated Abu Salim neighbourhood. 

SSA is under the Presidential Council that came to power in 2021 with the Government of National Unity (GNU) of Abdulhamid Dbeibah through a United Nations (UN) backed process. 

GNU’s interior ministry called on citizens in a short statement to stay at home "for their own safety."

Following the ministry’s call, drivers started speeding and honking in many Tripoli streets. 

GNU media platform said early today that the defence ministry had fully taken control of the Abu Salim neighbourhood.

“I heard heavy gunfire, and I saw red lights in the sky,” a resident said on condition of anonymity.

The other two residents said the gunfire was echoing all over their neighbourhoods of Abu Salim and Salah Eddin.

The University of Tripoli Presidency announced on Facebook the suspension of studies, exams, and administrative work at all faculties, departments and offices until further notice. 

The UN Mission in Libya urged all parties to "immediately cease fighting and restore calm," reminding them of their obligation to protect civilians. 

“Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes,” it said.

Libya, a major oil producer in the Mediterranean, has had little stability since a 2011 uprising backed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The country split in 2014 between warring eastern and western factions. 

--Reuters--