Libya: Libyan army battles militias near Tripoli as bombs strike city’s only airport
Army troops battled militias Saturday outside the capital, Tripoli, security officials from both sides of the Libyan conflict said. The Libyan army also said it carried out airstrikes on multiple targets near the city, including its only functioning airport.
The fierce battles for the capital city on the Mediterranean coast resulted in both sides claiming control of Aziziya city, south of Tripoli. Army troops and fighters loyal to a militia coalition known as Libya Dawn continued to clash south and west of the capital.
“The Libyan Army wants to liberate the capital from militias and gangs,” army spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari said.
Details about the battles and casualty figures were not available and it was not immediately possible to authenticate the conflicting claims.