Sabratha residents confined to homes amid armed confrontations

Fighting broke out in the western city of Sabratha during Eid prayers, according to former Libyan UN Security Council Ambassador Ibrahim al-Dabbashi.

In a Facebook post, al-Dabbashi stated that religious observances were interrupted when “the takbir (saying ‘Allahu Akbar’) stopped in the mosque, the sound of bullets and RPGs increased, and armoured vehicles were deployed between the houses and around the mosque.”

Al-Dabbashi reported that residents of Sabratha were required to remain in their homes, resulting in the cancellation of Eid prayers and celebrations.

The former ambassador said the clashes involved armed groups and cited vendettas, revenge, and disputes over financial gains as underlying factors. He described the groups as receiving funding from governing authorities while claiming loyalty to them.

Al-Dabbashi noted an increase in young casualties and called for an end to violence and national unity.

Sabratha is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Tripoli.