Libya: Explosion reported at munitions storage site in Tripoli’s Janzour district October 5

Event

Sources operating in the region report that an explosion occurred at a militia-controlled munitions storage site in Tripoli's western Janzour district on Monday, October 5. The blast, around 3km (2 miles) from the 17 Bridge checkpoint on the Coastal Road near the Oea area, is believed to have been caused by a fire at the site which caused a number of secondary explosions from detonating ammunition. The explosions initially prompted rumors of heavy inter-militia clashes in the area, but there have been no confirmed reports of fighting in the area.

Localized disruptions are likely in the Janzour district in the near term due to ongoing emergency response and clean-up operations. Following the explosion, there is a realistic possibility of unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in the vicinity of the site, but thorough surveys are unlikely to be conducted in the medium term.  

Advice

Those in Tripoli should anticipate localized travel disruptions in the Janzour district in the near term, including on the Coastal Road. Travelers should be aware of the potential threat from UXO and are advised never to approach or touch any unfamiliar objects that may be UXO, but immediately report any such items to local authorities.