Libya's High Council of State welcomes Tripoli truce, calls it step toward stability

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Libya's High Council of State on Sunday welcomed a new truce in Tripoli, saying it strengthens state authority and helps restore key institutions.

The truce was reached on Saturday between the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) and the rival Special Deterrence Force, also known as Radaa. The deal, brokered and guaranteed by Turkish intelligence, took immediate effect.

The agreement ends a months-long power struggle over Mitiga Airport, Tripoli's only functioning airport, and a nearby prison. Control of both sites will now return to the official executive authority.

In its statement, the High Council of State praised "national efforts" that prevented more fighting and "spared the country further conflict and losses." It called the airport handover an important step in consolidating state control, and said dialogue remains the best path to stability.

Tensions had been rising since May between the GNU forces and Radaa fighters based at Mitiga Airport. The dispute escalated into clashes in early September, pushing mediators to step in.

Libya has remained divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is split between the Tripoli-based GNU and an eastern administration supported by Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army.

The High Council of State, an advisory chamber to parliament, urged Libyan factions to put unity first and work toward building a civil state founded on justice, the rule of law, and the aspirations of the people.