Libya: Missile strike hits Mitiga international Airport

By Afra Aksoy

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - Mitiga International Airport located in this city was hit by a missile attack late Monday.

The indiscriminate attack caused fire to the landing field and huge smoke clouds were viewed at the airport that is the only civilian aviation facility in the capital.

The UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) announced Sept. 2 it suspended all flights in Mitiga “due to the security situation in the airport.”

The Interior Ministry of the GNA recently urged the UN to take necessary measures to protect civilian institutions as Mitiga Airport was targeted 11 times since April 4.

Forces loyal to Gen. Khalifa Haftar launched a campaign in April to capture Tripoli from forces aligned with the GNA.

Clashes between the two sides have left more than 1,000 people dead and about 5,500 wounded, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011, when long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in a bloody NATO-backed uprising after four decades in power.

The oil-rich country has since seen the emergence of two rival seats of power: one in eastern Libya, with which Haftar is affiliated, and the Tripoli-based GNA.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas