International Arrest Warrants Issued for Kaniyat Militia Members
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a significant step in addressing the atrocities committed during the Libyan conflict by issuing arrest warrants for six members of the Kaniyat militia. These individuals are accused of serious war crimes, including murder, torture, and sexual violence. The announcement, made on October 5, 2024, highlights the court's commitment to justice in the wake of the horrific events that transpired in Tarhuna, a city located 90 km southeast of Tripoli.
The ICC has lifted the secrecy surrounding the memos issued last year, revealing the names of the accused: Abdel Rahim Al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Nasser Miftah Daw, Mohammed Al-Saleheen, Abdel Bari Al-Shaqaqi, and Fathi Al-Zankal. These individuals were closely associated with retired General Khalifa Haftar and played a pivotal role in his forces' attempt to seize control of western Libya, including the capital, Tripoli, during a 14-month offensive that began in 2019.
The Kaniyat militia's involvement in the conflict has led to devastating consequences, with the discovery of at least 44 mass graves in Tarhuna, containing the remains of approximately 400 victims. Reports indicate that the victims suffered horrific fates, including being shot, tortured, and, in some cases, buried alive. Local and international organizations have condemned these acts, describing them as a grim testament to the violence that has plagued Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
