UNSMIL Calls for an End to Clashes in Zawiya and Surman and Accountability for Those Involved.

Tripoli 12 August 2026 (Lana) United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called for an immediate end to the ongoing clashes in Zawiya and Surman, calling on all conflict parties to cease fighting immediately and those directly engaged in the fighting and those supporting them should be held accountable for the impact of their actions.

In its statement yesterday, the mission strongly condemned the ongoing clashes, noting that the fighting has endangered civilians, resulted in loss of life and multiple injuries, and inflicted significant damage to private property and critical infrastructure, including the Zawiya Refinery.

The Mission stated that clashes in Surman also resulted in the escape of a number of inmates from Surman prison, raising concerns about the protection of civilians, safety and security of citizens, calling for a prompt and thorough investigation of these incidents, and ensure that those persons or groups directly or indirectly complicit in this incident are identified and held accountable for their actions.

“Victims of the violence in Zawiya and Surman have the right to effective justice and remedies, including through prompt, independent, and credible investigations,” it added.

UNSMIL called on the relevant Libyan authorities to urgently establish a coordinated mechanism for the withdrawal and relocation of heavy weapons away from civilian populated areas, and to support de-escalation, emphasizing that the use of heavy weapons or military positions in civilian populated areas, or close to civilian populations, thereby putting civilians at risk, is unacceptable.

It affirmed that failure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and jeopardizing the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under national and international applicable laws and stressed the obligation of all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The Mission stated that it has consulted with relevant actors on this matter and appreciates the ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation and encouraged local leaders and political and security stakeholders to use their influence to reduce tensions and avoid any actions that could lead to renewed clashes.

“UNSMIL reiterates its support for all Libyan-led efforts aimed at de-escalation, accountability and the preservation of stability in Zawiya, Surman and surrounding areas and remains ready to use its good offices in support of such efforts,” it added.

=Lana=