Libya - Tripoli outbreak of fighting this afternoon

This afternoon saw fighting break out in Tropoli, Libya. Around 4pm, there was a large presence of Zintani technicals moving into Tripoli along Airport Rd accompanied by heavy gunfire reports outside the GNC HQ at Rixos.

According to one report, a large convoy from the Zintan Brigades had stopped at the traffic light along the Airport Road (Abu Salim area), including approximately 30 heavily armed vehicles. Other reports claimed that Ghanaywa militia forces had started firing into the air approximately 5km away - there was potential for clashes between these two groups in the Abu Salim / Airport Road area of Tripoli.

However this evening as at 10pm local time, the fighting around the GNC and Tripoli area in general seems to have stopped  and there is now a heavy military/police and militia presence on the streets with many checkpoints around the city. However, people on the ground are still hearing sporadic bursts of gun fire from around the city at various times.

Until the situation can be better judged, RPS recommends that all travellers and clients stay at home until the situation can be better judged in daylight. It is also recommended to delay any arrival into the country via Tripoli International Airport until it can be confirmed that the airport is open and fully operational with clear routes to and from it.

This information was provided by SNE Tripoli. More detailed information may be obtained from [email protected]

Photo: courtesy of bbc.co.uk