Two powerful armed factions battled in Libya's capital on Tuesday in the city's worst violence this year, but one side released a detained commander from the other, two sources said, raising hopes for an end to the deadly clashes. The Special Deterrence Force and the 444 Brigade are two of the strongest military forces in Tripoli and their fighting from late on Monday rocked districts across the capital. The fighting began after the Special Deterrence Force, which controls Tripoli's main Mitiga airport detained 444 Brigade commander Mahmoud Hamza as he attempted to travel. Sporadic fighting has also this year rocked the city of Zawiya, west of the capital. Hamza, a former officer in the Special Deterrence Force, has previously been a key figure in mediating an end to tension between other armed factions.

Source: Libya Today August 15, 2023 21:36 UTC