Sources from Al-Zawiya reported one fatality and at least two wounded among the clashing forces following violent confrontations that erupted in the Sayyida Zainab area on Friday night, noting that there were no reports of civilian casualties. Armed clashes described as intense broke out on the night of Friday–Saturday in the city of Al-Zawiya between formations affiliated with the Government of National Unity and others belonging to the Stability Support Apparatus, which reports directly to the Presidential Council. According to local sources, the clashes continued until the early hours of Saturday morning and involved members of the Stability Support Apparatus led by Hassan Bouzriba and forces from the 459th Battalion of the Defense Ministry of the Government of National Unity. Videos circulating on social media showed scenes from the fighting, with heavy exchanges of gunfire heard across neighborhoods in the area. Al-Zawiya branch of the Red Crescent warned residents in the Sayyida Zainab area near the clashes to remain indoors, stay away from windows, and exercise maximum caution until conditions return to normal.

Source: Libya Observer January 31, 2026 17:05 UTC