Fighting resumes at Libyan international airportJuly 21, 2014 - 11:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Rival militias are locked in battle at Libya's main international airport, with reports of at least four people killed in the fighting. Clashes resumed at Tripoli airport on Sunday, July 20, after attempts at a ceasefire failed. Missiles, rockets and tanks were said to be used, according to BBC News. The fighting began last week, damaging planes and forcing the airport to shut. Libya has been gripped by instability since the 2011 uprising, with swathes of the country controlled by militias. Successive governments have struggled to disarm the rival groups. Fighters from the city of Zintan are fighting Islamist-led militias, including many fighters from Misrata, for control of the airport. At least two of those killed on Sunday were civilians, security officials said. "The airport was attacked this morning with mortar rounds, rockets and tank fire," Al-Jilani al-Dahesh, an airport security official, told AFP. The fighting was described as the most intense since clashes erupted at the airport on July 12. A spokesman for the district, Mohammed Abdulrahman, said residents were caught up in the fighting. "The shells are landing on us from all warring militias," he told Reuters. Clashes were also reported at main road leading to the airport. In a statement on its Facebook page, the European Union mission in Libya said it was "concerned about the protracted conflict over Tripoli International Airport", adding: "The only option is a political solution and a peaceful democratic process." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |