Violent clashes erupt in Libya's Tripoli amid reports about death of security chief

Violent clashes erupted on Monday in the Libyan capital Tripoli between rival armed factions, amid reports of the death of Abdul-Ghani al-Kikli, known as Ghaniwa, who headed the Stability Support Department affiliated with the Presidency Council.

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Local media reported that al-Kikli was killed inside the headquarters of the 444 Brigade, which is affiliated with the Tripoli Military Zone.

At the same time, they noted, citing an unnamed security source, that "the reason for al-Kikli's presence inside the headquarters of the 444 Brigade is unknown."

The reports about al-Kikli's death coincided with residents of parts of southern Tripoli confirming hearing sounds of intense gunfire involving heavy weapons, as other areas of Tripoli are experiencing serious security tensions.