(UTV|COLOMBO) – The UN has condemned an air strike that closed the only functioning airport in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, on Monday.
Flights at Mitiga International Airport were suspended and passengers were evacuated. No casualties were reported.
The UN blamed the air strike on forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar, a commander from the east who is trying to seize the capital.
A spokesman for Gen Haftar’s forces said civilian planes had not been targeted, Reuters news agency reports.
Gen Haftar, who leads the Libyan National Army (LNA), declared an offensive to take control of Tripoli from Libya’s UN-backed government last week.
Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj has accused him of attempting to carry out a coup.
At least 2,800 people have so far fled fighting around Tripoli, the UN says.
The UN also warns that those who remain risk being cut off from vital services because of the clashes.
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