BENGHAZI (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 06th April, 2019) The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, said on Saturday that it had taken full control over Tripoli International Airport as part of its offensive on the western region of Libya, controlled by the rival Government of National Accord (GNA).
"In an unprecedented historical event for the residents of Libya, the [LNA] has just established control over the whole Tripoli International Airport," the press service of LNA said in a statement, seen by Sputnik.
The international airport is located 34 kilometers (21 miles) from the Libyan capital. It has not been in operation since 2014 as its infrastructure was significantly damaged after fierce battles between Libyan armed groups. Mitiga International Airport, located 5 miles from Tripoli's center, serves as the capital's main air harbor.
On Thursday, Haftar ordered an offensive to retake Tripoli from the GNA-backed forces. The LNA has already recaptured a number of settlements on its way to the capital, while leader of Libya's UN-backed GNA government Fayez Sarraj has ordered its troops to use force if necessary.
