Libya warns militias over Tripoli airport attacks
- 10 years ago
The Libyan government has warned rival militias fighting over Tripoli’s international airport that they risk prosecution for murder and crimes against humanity if they continue.
It comes as the airport was reportedly hit by a new rocket attack a day after being forced to close.
The heavy fighting between armed groups also prompted the United Nations to pull its staff out of the country.
At least 15 people have been killed in clashes in Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi since Sunday.
The government says it may seek outside help.
“We have considered the possibility of asking international forces to establish the state’s powers, protect civilians and prevent chaos and turmoil, and also to give the state a chance to build its institutions with the army and police a priority,” said Libyan government spokesman Ahmed Lamin.
The government says 90 percent of the planes stationed at the airport were destroyed.
Three years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s weak government is unable to control militias of former rebels who are battling for political and economic power.
It comes as the airport was reportedly hit by a new rocket attack a day after being forced to close.
The heavy fighting between armed groups also prompted the United Nations to pull its staff out of the country.
At least 15 people have been killed in clashes in Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi since Sunday.
The government says it may seek outside help.
“We have considered the possibility of asking international forces to establish the state’s powers, protect civilians and prevent chaos and turmoil, and also to give the state a chance to build its institutions with the army and police a priority,” said Libyan government spokesman Ahmed Lamin.
The government says 90 percent of the planes stationed at the airport were destroyed.
Three years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s weak government is unable to control militias of former rebels who are battling for political and economic power.