TRIPOLI, 11 August 2026: UNSMIL strongly condemns the ongoing clashes in Zawiya and previously in Surman and calls on all conflict parties to cease fighting immediately and halt all provocative movements that could further inflame tensions. Those directly engaged in the fighting and those supporting them should be held accountable for the impact of their actions.
The clashes in Zawiya and earlier in Surman have endangered civilians, leading to the loss of life, multiple injured persons and also inflicted significant damage to private property and critical infrastructure, including Zawiya Refinery.
The 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. We call 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.
The Mission has been consulting with relevant actors on this matter and appreciates the ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation. It reminds all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The use of heavy weapons or military positions in civilian populated areas, or close to civilian populations which has the potential to cause grave harm to any victims is unacceptable, and there must be a deliberate effort to ensure this situation does not further escalate. Failure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, physically harming civilians, and jeopardizing the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under national and international applicable laws.
UNSMIL calls 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, the prevention of further violence, the protection of civilians and preserve critical infrastructure. Further the mission also calls for support for credible and sustainable de-escalation efforts for as long as is necessary to bring an end to the violence that has been prevalent in this area for the last few months.
The Mission encourages local leaders, political and security stakeholders to use their influence to reduce tensions and avoid any actions that could lead to renewed clashes.
UNSMIL further recalls the findings of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Libya, which have highlighted the continued proliferation of weapons, the activities of armed groups, serious human rights concerns, and the destabilizing impact of the illicit movement of arms and fighters. These findings underscore the serious risks posed by renewed armed confrontation in densely populated areas such as Zawiya and Surman underscoring the urgent need for all actors to refrain from military escalation and for the relevant Libyan authorities to take effective measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
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.
