Libya: Mitiga International Airport closed September 12 after rocket fire /update 3

Event

Mitiga International Airport (MJI) has suspended all flight operations on Wednesday, September 12, following reports of rockets fired in the direction of the airport on Tuesday, September 11. No associated casualties were immediately reported. All flights scheduled to depart from and arrive at MJI have been diverted to Misrata International Airport (MRA). It is unclear when MJI will resume flight operations; continuing flight disruptions, including numerous flight cancelations, are to be expected at MJI over the coming days.

Context

Significant fighting was reported in Tripoli on September 11-12, including the firing of multiple rockets at MJI. This escalation of violence 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.