Armed Libyan militia capture Tripoli airport, block air traffic

PanARMENIAN.Net - A militia of Libyan ex-rebels entered Tripoli International airport with tanks and armoured vehicles and completely blocked air traffic on Monday June 4, a day after their leader was arrested, officials said, according to AFP.

"It is total confusion. Everyone is fleeing. Several armoured vehicles and tanks are positioned on the tarmac, blocking traffic," an official at the airport told AFP.

"Cars mounted with anti-aircraft guns and armed men are surrounding the aircraft and preventing them from moving," another official said, adding that some passengers were forced to leave the planes.

The official Lana news agency, citing witnesses, confirmed the "assault," saying that the motive of the gunmen was to pressure the government to explain the detention of their leader, Abu Ajila al-Habshi.

Libya's interim government took control of Tripoli International airport in April from a coalition of brigades that had been guarding the facility since the capital's liberation in August 2011.

The coalition of Zintan brigades was among the groups that fought in an armed uprising last year that ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi after decades of autocratic rule.