Tripoli: Libyan Minister of Interior Emad Al-Trabolsi has issued a stark warning that security forces may resort to "excessive force" to reestablish rule of law in the tourist resort of Regatta, located to the west of Tripoli. This announcement comes after intense clashes erupted among armed groups on Wednesday morning.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Trabolsi stated in a press release that a joint taskforce has been assembled and instructed to use all necessary resources, including excessive force, to restore order in the area. Al-Trabolsi himself has been appointed as the head of this taskforce.
The newly formed security taskforce comprises members from the Tripoli security department, the apparatus of stability support, the apparatus of security support, and the special operations force. Al-Trabolsi clarified that regular security forces were not part of the clashes. The minister pointed out that the armed groups involved had previously handed over security control of the area to the state but returned to engage in fighting.
The clashes saw militiamen, equipped with 30 to 40 military vehicles, engaging in combat early in the morning. As of now, there have been no reports concerning possible casualties resulting from the conflict.