Fatal Clashes Close Libyan Airport, Claim Two Lives
Tuesday’s gunfight between the two leading armed groups in Tripoli resulted in the death of two individuals and the closure of the only civilian airport in the Libyan capital, according to officials.
The clashes between the influential 444 Brigade and the Al-Radaa Force, also known as the Special Deterrence Force, began on Monday night and continued into Tuesday, according to an official from the interior ministry.
“Tensions arose” immediately following the announcement that “the Al-Radaa Force had arrested the commander of the 444 Brigade, without explaining whether this was on judicial orders or for other reasons,” according to the official.
A hospital source told AFP that two people had been slain and over thirty wounded in the violence, which showed no signs of abating.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya stated in a statement that it was “following with concern” the deterioration of security in the Libyan capital and its effect on civilians.
UNSMIL stated, “Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving disputes.”
“All parties must preserve the security gains made in recent years and resolve their differences through dialogue,” the document continued.
After the detention of 444 Brigade commander Mahmud Hamza at Mitiga airport, in an area under Al-Radaa’s control, images posted to social media late Monday night showed armored vehicles and armed pickups in Tripoli’s east and south.
Flight deviations
In Tripoli, plumes of smoke were observed and gunfire was heard in the densely populated suburb of Ain Zara before spreading to areas near the airport and Tripoli University, which suspended classes.
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According to the official, the violence continued on Tuesday and resulted in the “closure of roads around Mitiga airport.”
Flights were diverted to Misrata, approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) to the east, and aircraft that had been parked on the tarmac were transferred.
The health ministry requested blood donations and the establishment of secure evacuation corridors for families trapped in the fighting.
Since the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi by a NATO-backed insurrection, Libya has been plagued by divisions fueled by the proliferation of armed groups with shifting loyalties.
The 444 Brigade is affiliated with Libya’s defense ministry and is reputed to be the most disciplined military unit in the North African nation.
It dominates the southern suburbs of Tripoli and the cities of Tarhuna and Bani Walid, securing the roads connecting the capital to the country’s south.
Abdel Rauf Karah commands the powerful ultraconservative Al-Radaa Force, which serves as Tripoli’s security force, arresting both suspected jihadists and common criminals.
It asserts its independence from the interior and defense ministries, and it administers central and eastern Tripoli, the Mitiga air base, the civilian airport, and the prison.
Fatal Clashes Close Libyan Airport, Claim Two Lives
