According to local resource Libya’s Channel, the skirmish, starting Monday morning between two groups of militants armed with a variety of light and heavy weaponry including mortars, has led to the suspension of all domestic and international flights into and out of the airport, with flights diverted to nearby Misrata Airport, about 175 km to the east of Tripoli.
The fighting is reportedly taking place between the Special Deterrence Force, one of the most powerful militant groups in Tripoli, and a brigade of militants from Brigade 33 from Tajoura, a suburb of the city. Both groups are reportedly aligned with the UN-supported Government of National Accord.
Observers reported heavy gunfire and shelling from the vicinity of the airport beginning at about 7:30 am local time. Smoke was reported billowing from the airport. According to local media, at least 3 people, including one civilian, have been killed and six others wounded in the clashes.
A Libya’s Channel correspondent said that civilians were safely evacuated from the airport’s passenger lounge. Schools and government offices in the area have also been closed, and people told to evacuate.