Libya: Clashes around Mitiga Airport (Tripoli) September 11-12 /update 2

Event

Significant fighting was reported in Tripoli overnight on September 11-12, including reports of at least three rockets fired at Mitiga International Airport (MJI). An inbound flight from Alexandria (Egypt) was consequently forced to divert to Misrata. Projectiles also reportedly landed near a neighboring hospital as well as in the vicinity of the headquarters of the Rada Deterrence Force. Fighting has been reported along Airport Road, and clashes were also taking place to the south of Tripoli around Hamza Camp and Yarmouk Camp. Further details are still emerging. 

Context

The evening's fighting follows several days of a tenuous ceasefire between local armed groups, initially brokered by the UN on September 4, which aimed to put an end to hostilities ongoing around Tripoli since August 27.

Libya has been divided into rival governments and factions with their own militias and political parties since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. In general, the security situation in Libya remains precarious and there is little to no sign of a return to relative stability in the near-term. 

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid the Tripoli area until the situation normalizes. 

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.