Fighting erupts around Libya’s main airport

Fierce fighting has erupted around the Libyan capital’s internatonal airport, as the armed group that controls it came under attack, airport officials said.

Flights were interrupted on Sunday as “rockets struck inside the airport perimeter”, an official said. “Clashes followed between the Zintan militia who control the airport and rivals who want to drive them out,” the official added.

The exchanges with heavy weapons were heard in the Tripoli’s centre, AFP correspondents reported.

They came just hours after the US warned that conflict in Libya could be “widespread” following an acknowledgement by electoral officials that fraud had clouded a June 25 vote for a new parliament.

“The United States is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Libya and dangerous posturing that could lead to widespread conflict there,” said Jen Psaki, of the US state department.

“We affirm our support for Libya’s democratic transition and urge the seating of the new Council of Representatives as soon as possible,” she added.

On Thursday, the UN Support Mission in Libya announced it was pulling out dozens of staff because of security concerns.


(AlJazeera)