17 Jan 2018 | 02:21 PM UTC
Libya: Clashes near Tripoli’s Matiga Airport January 17 /update 2
Rival groups clash near Matiga Airport in Tripoli January 17; airport closed for third consecutive day
Event
Clashes between RADA Special Deterrence Forces (RDF) and al-Bogra in the Suq al-Juma area of Tripoli, south of Matiga Airport (MJI), broke out around 15:30 (local time) on Wednesday, January 17. Some schools have closed as people prepared for potential clashes. Tensions have also increased in the Tajura and Wadi Alrabea areas, while roads may be blocked by al-Bogra in the areas of Ghul Roman and Sidi Andulsi.
In addition, militias in Zawiyah (east of Tripoli) are reportedly preparing to resist a possible military operation by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). GNA troops are reportedly heading towards the city of Surman, 15km (9 mi) east of Zawiyah.
MJI remains closed on January 17. Some flights have been diverted to Misrata (MRA), however, international personnel reportedly need to have security clearance to fly to the airport, which can take two to three days.
Context
Tensions have been ongoing between the RDF and al-Bogra since late 2017. Al-Bogra was previously aligned with the General National Congress (GNC) and has been engaged in a number of clashes with the RDF, and to a lesser extent the Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade (TRB), since November 2017.
Advice
Travelers are advised to confirm flight statuses prior to departure for MJI and to monitor the situation.
On a general note, the security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
