The Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar, announced that it had thwarted an attack by militias allied with the Government of National Accord (GNA) on Tripoli International Airport.
The LNA said that dozens of militants were killed in new battles to capture the abandoned facility. After hours of fighting, the militants were forced to retreat.
GNA media said that its forces had launched a “wide-scale” attack on LNA positions on several fronts, including the airport.
Military sources said LNA jets struck several militias positions near the facility.
On Saturday, the LNA announced that it had destroyed GNA positions in town of Gharyan. It also said it had arrested sleeper cells in Sabratah that were plotting to carry out a terrorist attack in the city.
Meanwhile, GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj arrived in Niger’s capital Niamey to take part in the extraordinary African Union conference aimed at activating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Leaders at the summit are set to discuss several political and economic affairs, most notably Libya.
The AU had previously condemned foreign meddling in the continent’s peace and security affairs, especially the situation in Libya.
Separately, Morocco announced that seven of its nationals were killed in the strike on a migrant detention center in Tajoura east of Tripoli last week. Three others are missing.
The World Health Organization said 53 people were killed and 103 wounded in Tuesday’s airstrike that drew international outrage.
