Libya Insurgents Claim Control of Capital Tripoli

KABUL: (Middle East Press) Libya’s anti-government militias have announced the consolidation of their hold on capital Tripoli and its international airport, driving out rival militias to the outskirts of the capital following a weeks long battle for control of the planned hub.

Egypt’s state news agency reported, the Sunday development came as Egypt’s president denied any military involvement in Libya, a day after the anti-state militias accused Cairo of bombing their positions in Tripoli.

The denial by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi came in response to accusations a day earlier by militias in Tripoli, who blamed Egypt and the United Arab Emirates for a series of mysterious airstrikes Saturday and last Monday. Two airstrikes killed 15 militants and wounded another 30 on Saturday.

unknown warplanes attacked targets in Tripoli again on Sunday, residents said, hours after forces from the city of Misrata said they had seized the main airport.

Tripoli residents heard jets followed by explosions at dawn but no more details were available.

Libya’s air force denied it was behind the attacks, in part because it did not have the capabilities or technology to carry out such guided attacks.

This has provoked suspicions that foreign nations, including European countries, were behind the strikes. Italy, Algeria and other countries have also denied being behind the air attacks.

The fight has largely destroyed the airport and scarred the capital, prompting diplomats, foreign nationals and thousands of Libyans to flee.

Further inflaming the situation, the newly elected Libyan parliament described Dawn of Libya as “outlawed” and “terrorist groups” who fight to weaken the legitimacy of the state.