State of emergency declared in Libya’s capital over clashes at Mitiga Airport
The Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) has announced the state of emergency in Tripoli until clashes at the Mitiga Airport end.
Till this moment, the clashes between the Special Deterrence Force in the airport and the Brigade 33 of Tajura have left over 11 killed and 23 injured.
In a statement this noon, the Presidential Council said the aim of the attack on Mitiga Airport was to free terrorists from IS and other criminals jailed in the Mitiga prisons that is run by the Special Deterrence Force.
“We announce the state of emergency in Tripoli until the security personnel manage to end the clashes that are terrifying the residents around the Mitiga airport.” The statement reads.
Sources from Tripoli Field Hospital said that one African woman was killed in the clashes that left the capital in panic and billowed its sky with black smoke from use of heavy and medium weapons.
Flights to and from the airport in Tripoli were suspended and redirected to Misurata airport, while Afriqiyah Airways announced suspension of all flights from the Mitiga airport until the clashes stop.
According to social media, all schools returned the students to their homes, the roads surrounding the fight in the beach road and Sooq Jumua as well as Bab Tajura areas were shut down.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Reports claim Russian military transfers from Syria to Libya - December 20, 2024
- Iraq returns Syrian militants across border - December 20, 2024
- Zelensky dismisses Putin’s missile challenge - December 20, 2024