On May 12, fighting broke out in Tripoli following the assassination of Abdelghani "Ghneiwa" al-Kikli, leader of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA).
A battle between the SSA and the 444 Combat Brigade, which supports the Government of National Unity (GNU), led to at least six civilian deaths and significant destruction.
Armed groups used heavy weapons in residential areas, causing hundreds of families to flee and overwhelming hospitals.
Civilians were also targeted during anti-government protests, with reports of live ammunition being used against demonstrators.
Libyan Coastguard Attacks on Migrant Rescue Ships
In August 2025, the Libyan coastguard reportedly fired directly at European rescue ships, including the Ocean Viking and Sea-Watch, during operations to assist migrants.
These attacks were described as intentional and aimed at crew members at head height.
The EU-backed Italy-Libya migration agreement is being questioned for providing funding and weapons to the coastguard, which critics argue helps enable human rights abuses.
Detention centers under the control of militias and traffickers continue to operate with EU financial support, raising concerns about ethics and legality.
Political and Humanitarian Fallout
Libya remains divided between the GNU in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in Benghazi, leading to ongoing territorial disputes and militia conflicts.
The UN and Human Rights Watch have criticized the attacks, calling for investigations and justice for violations of international law.
In response to the violence, Libya gave the International Criminal Court authority to investigate crimes committed between 2011 and 2027.
These incidents reveal the volatile mix of political division, foreign interference, and unchecked militia activity that continues to threaten civilians in Libya.
In 2015, Libya was involved in violent conflict that led to numerous civilian attacks, mainly due to rival militias and extremist groups as the country's government collapsed.
Civilians were subjected to indiscriminate shelling, kidnappings, torture, and executions in various parts of the country.
Background: Libya's Fragmentation Post-Gaddafi
After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya fell into chaos.
By 2014–2015, the country was split between rival governments and armed groups:
Tripoli-based Libya Dawn coalition
Tobruk-based interim government supported by Operation Dignity
Islamist militias and ISIL affiliates, especially in Benghazi and Derna
This split led to a civil war, with civilians caught in the middle of the fighting.
Key Civilian Attacks and Abuses in 2015
According to Amnesty International and UN reports:
Cities like Benghazi, Tripoli, Warshafana, and Zawiya experienced indiscriminate shelling, which killed and injured hundreds of civilians.
Militias kidnapped civilians based on their ethnicity or political views.
Torture and abuse were common.
Summary executions of captured fighters and civilians were carried out by different factions, including Islamist groups and government forces.
Human rights activists, journalists, and others were targeted for their work, facing threats, violence, and even murder.
Foreign nationals were attacked, and those working in the judiciary were threatened or killed.
International Response
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) documented these abuses and urged for accountability.
The United States and its allies conducted airstrikes against ISIL leaders and infrastructure, including the killing of senior ISIL commander Abu Nabil al-Anbari in Derna in November 2015.
Despite these international efforts, there was still a lack of justice, and Libya's legal system failed to prosecute those responsible.
Legacy and Impact
The violence of 2015 worsened Libya's humanitarian crisis and forced thousands to leave their homes.
Civilian infrastructure was badly damaged, and people's trust in government weakened.
Many abuses remain unpunished, and Libya continues to struggle with instability and unclear leadership.
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