Libya: Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport (MJI) targeted again on August 16 /update 2

Event

Mitiga International Airport (MJI) in Tripoli was targeted for a second consecutive day on the morning (local time) of Friday, August 16. According to local reports, two separate salvos of projectiles were fired at the airport around 01:30. Officials are temporarily diverting incoming flights to Misrata following the attack and operations at MJI will also likely be closed.

Similar attacks targeting MJI are possible over the near term and may result in flight delays and cancelations.

Context

MJI suspended operations and diverted flights to Misrata after a missile attack targeted the airport and killed one worker. Flights resume later in the day. The airport has been targeted by air and mortar strikes multiple times in recent months; however, the strikes generally do not hit the main runway or any civilian facilities and normal flight operations have typically been restored within a few hours.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4 and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli en masse on April 7. LNA and Government of National Accord (GNA) airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Advice

Individuals in Tripoli and traveling via MJI are advised to monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, avoid areas affected by fighting, maintain safe and current evacuation plans, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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