Tripoli: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday condemned the mounting escalation of violent acts in Tripoli and the amassing of troops in other regions. It warned that the situation could swiftly spiral out of control if these combat operations continued.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement, UNSMIL stressed that it is extremely alarmed by reports of civilian victims, renewing its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire across all regions in Libya and the opening of safe corridors to evacuate civilians trapped in areas of intense conflict.

It urged all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to promptly engage in a series of dialogues in good faith to resolve the conflict through peaceful means, stressing that inflicting harm upon civilians, endangering their lives, and targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes under international law.

Perpetrators must be held to account, as there is ongoing communication with relevant parties and partners on the ground to contain the situation, the statement stressed.

In addition, UNSMIL underlined that it backs all ongoing mediation and de-escalation efforts, reaffirming its readiness to facilitate this dialogue and help end the fighting before the situation further deteriorates in Libya.

Late on Tuesday, Tripoli witnessed a grave security escalation, as intense armed clashes erupted in the city center between forces affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Special Deterrence Force (Radaa).

The incidents triggered the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of classes and examinations, and the diversion of all flights from Mitiga International Airport to Misrata International Airport.