Libya’s United Nations recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) on Tuesday said drones from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) targeted Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, reported Anadolu Agency.
“Emirati drones, supporters of the war criminal [Khalifa] Haftar, target Mitiga International Airport,” forces loyal to the GNA wrote on Facebook without giving any information about casualties or damages.
The forces considered the attack as “a continuation of the criminal record in targeting infrastructure and airports and a desperate attempt [of Haftar] to reimburse losses.”
The GNA has repeatedly accused the UAE of supporting Haftar’s forces. But, Abu Dhabi has previously denied having any involvement in supporting Haftar’s attack on Tripoli.
Notably, operations at Mitiga International were suspended earlier this month due to attacks by Haftar’s forces, while all flights were diverted to Misrata International Airport. The Mitiga Airport has been targeted several times with the eastern-based army accusing the UN-backed government of using the airport for military purposes.
On Tuesday, the UN-backed government said it had launched airstrikes on the rival eastern-based army in southern Tripoli.
“The air force launched four airstrikes in Spe’a, Suq al-Khamis, and Emsehel areas in southern Tripoli,” said Mohamed Gununu, spokesman for the UN-backed government’s forces.
The spokesman added that the airstrikes targeted mercenaries and armored vehicles, including an Emirati armored vehicle.
Haftar and his forces had launched a campaign to capture Tripoli from Libya’s internationally recognized GNA in April this year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing clashes between the two sides have left 1,000 dead and more than 5,500 injured.
Libya has been facing political instability since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in a NATO-backed uprising. Since then, there are two rival seats of power in the country- one in the east to which Haftar is affiliated, and the Tripoli-based UN-recognized GNA.
