Raid targets Libya capital’s only working airport — witnesses

TRIPOLI — An air raid on Monday targeted the runway of the Libyan capital’s only working airport, witnesses and an airport security source said.

A low-flying fighter jet fired two missiles at Mitiga airport, which is in an eastern suburb of Tripoli and held by Fajr Libya, an anti-government Islamist militia coalition which controls the capital, witnesses said.

The security source said the strike however caused no damage to the airport terminal or runway.

Flights were temporarily diverted to Misrata airport, 200 kilometres east of Tripoli, the source added.

Libyan carriers moved civilian flights to Mitiga after Tripoli’s main international airport was damaged by fierce fighting in the capital between state-backed fighters and Islamist militias in July.

Fighting persists between the two sides in western Libya, where pro-government militias are supported by forces loyal to retired general Khalifa Haftar, and air raids frequently target Fajr Libya positions.