Heavy shelling hit the Libyan capital Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport on Saturday, causing significant damage to the only functioning airport in the city.
According to the UN-backed government’s forces, more than 80 missiles hit the airport, killing and injuring a number of civilians.
The missiles hit jet fuel tanks and caused a large fire, destroyed a number of ambulances, significantly damaged the passenger terminal, and significantly damaged two passenger airplanes, the UN-backed government’s forces said in a statement, accusing the rival eastern-based army of the shelling.
The eastern-based army has not commented on the shelling yet.
According to local residents, the shelling could be heard loudly in many areas in Tripoli and huge smoke could be seen rising from the airport.
Since April 2019, the eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign in and around Tripoli, trying to take over the city and overthrow the UN-backed government.
Despite repeated international calls for end to the deadly armed conflict, the fighting continues between the two rivals and civilians continue to be targeted in and around Tripoli.
