28 October 2015 – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has learnt of the crash of a helicopter near Zawiya west of Tripoli on 27 October 2015, reportedly killing all passengers onboard, including military officers and brigade commanders.

The Mission regrets the loss of life and calls on the parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that would further escalate tensions.

The Mission recalls that the area west of Tripoli has seen relative calm in recent months as a result of local ceasefire and reconciliation efforts. In the same spirit of reconciliation, UNSMIL urges local leaders and those with influence on the ground to immediately work to prevent an escalation of tensions. The Mission also calls on the relevant authorities to conduct an open and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

UNSMIL urges all sides to place Libya's higher national interests above all other considerations and work towards de-escalation to spare their country and people further bloodshed and violence