Western Libya is witnessing an alarming resurgence of military mobilization and armed confrontations, potentially signaling a return to chaos and violence.

The Libyan Presidential Council has reiterated that any security and military movements must occur under explicit prior instructions from the council and relevant authorities.

In its statement, the council emphasized that actions outside of this framework constitute breaches of directive, which could lead to legal accountability.

It underscored the importance of establishing stability and security across the country as a fundamental prerequisite for political and economic advancement.

The council claims full oversight and direct guidance over all security and military operations, urging all parties to adhere strictly to the established protocols and directives governing security and military actions.

It warned that maintaining security is a collective responsibility that does not accommodate individual interpretations or unilateral decisions that could impact overall stability.

This warning follows reports of intensified military movements from Misrata towards Tripoli during the night from Thursday to Friday, supported by heavy weaponry.

Sources within Tripoli have expressed serious concerns regarding potential clashes between militias arriving from Misrata and those aligned with Tripoli, particularly the Special Deterrence Force, which has declared a state of maximum readiness for possible confrontations.

According to these sources, a recent plan has been formulated by militias loyal to the Government of National Unity to seize control of Mitiga Airbase and the prison located within it, currently under the control of the Special Deterrence Force.

Local sources have reported movements of convoys comprising tanks, armored vehicles, military trucks, and armed units from Misrata to Tripoli via the coastal highway, recalling military mobilization patterns seen in the region between 2019 and 2020.

Observers have posited that the sudden return of such military displays is part of an effort to reconfigure the landscape and obstruct the political process led by the United Nations, with further details expected to emerge following the outcomes of the advisory Committee of 20 scheduled for a briefing on April 17.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported armed clashes in Sabratha, west of Tripoli, after a vehicle belonging to a local warlord was targeted and set ablaze, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The local Awqaf office announced the cancellation of Friday prayers at several mosques due to the ongoing clashes.

The Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity has announced that its investigation and arrest unit in Sabratha successfully apprehended several escaped prisoners within an hour of receiving reports about their escape.

The ministry's media office indicated that the prisoners had seized firearms from within the military police prison, and during the pursuit, gunfire was exchanged with one of the escapees before they were contained and returned to custody.

The recaptured individuals are facing serious charges, including murder and drug trafficking, with legal proceedings initiated against them.