Libya: Airstrike temporarily suspends operations at Mitiga Airport (MJI) April 8 /update 5

Event

A Libyan National Army (LNA) airstrike has reportedly hit the vicinity of Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) on Monday, April 8, leading to the temporary suspension of flight operations at the airport. Airport sources claim the runway was not hit and the assault was an apparent warning strike. Significant flight disruptions (i.e. flight cancelations) are to be expected at MJI over the coming hours until flight operations resume.

Moreover, a heightened security presence and disruptions to movement are to be expected in Tripoli amid the state of emergency declared over the capital by GNA Prime Minister al-Sarraj on Thursday, April 4, following the LNA's announcement that they would advance on GNA-aligned positions in Tripolitania region.

Context

The airstrike comes amid an LNA advance on Tripoli ahead of expected unity government negotiations set to take place during the National Conference in Ghadames on April 14-16. On April 6, UN envoy Ghassan Salame confirmed the international body still intends to hold talks despite the recent fighting.

Libya has been divided by rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The security situation in Libya remains precarious and the country is likely to remain unstable in the near term amid the ongoing civil war.

Advice

Individuals in Tripoli are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, and refrain from nonessential movement within the city.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.