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. However, there has been little progress towards a lasting political solution to the conflict and on the ground armed factions that have gained official status and financing continue to wield power. 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. Hamza was handed to the Stabilisation Support Apparatus upon his release, a Special Deterrence Force source and local media said.

Source: Libya Today August 15, 2023 20:33 UTC