The Interior Ministry of Libya’s internationally-recognized Government of National Accord called upon the UN Security Council this week to pass resolutions banning the bombing of civilian facilities.
The move follows repeated attacks by forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar against Mitiga International Airport, the only civilian airport operating in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
The ministry also called on the international community and the UN to condemn those who are targeting civilian facilities in Libya. The GNA wants the world to place those involved on sanctions lists to prevent Haftar and others from committing such attacks and thus ensure the safety of civilians.
Repeated “terrorist” attacks have targeted civilian facilities, especially airports, since the beginning of Haftar’s assault on Tripoli. The ministry pointed out that at least 11 documented attacks have been made on Mitiga Airport.
Troops loyal to Haftar began their attack on Tripoli, where the GNA is based, on 4 April. At the beginning of this week, the government’s Presidential Council condemned Haftar and his forces for bombing the airport the night before.
The attack on Saturday, the council pointed out, coincided with the arrival of an aircraft carrying pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia. Several people were injured, including children.
When Mitiga Airport is closed, all flights are diverted to Misrata Airport, 210 km east of the capital.
The U.N. envoy to war-torn Libya says he has launched “an intensive campaign” for an international conference to deliver a message that the conflict must end.
The move Wednesday comes five months after a rebel commander launched an offensive to take the country’s capital Tripoli.
