Libya’s transportation ministry denies UN envoy’s claims about Mitiga Airport

BY Libyan Express Jul 31, 2019 - 11:11

Mitiga Airport in Tripoli. [Photo: Internet]

Ministry of Transport of the UN-backed Libyan government denied on Tuesday the remarks of UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame about the military use of Mitiga airport in the capital Tripoli.

“Ministry of Transport is surprised about the remarks of the UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame during a UN Security Council session regarding the use of the Government of National Accord to Mitiga international airport for military purposes,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry confirmed that the airport is only used for civil aviation as an international port.

“The repeated targeting of the airport has affected civilian facilities and aircraft. It endangers the safety of travelers and workers, obstructs the transportation movement, and causes great losses to the civil aviation and transportation,” the statement explained.

During a recent UN Security Council session, Salame called on Libyan parties to “cease using the airport for military purposes and for the attacking forces to stop air raids.”

Mitiga airport has been targeted numerous times by shelling and airstrikes by Khalifa Haftar’s forces, causing suspension of flights.

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