2 – 8 October: LNA launches airstrikes on Misrata airport

Oct 10, 2019 | Libyan actors

On 5 October, the Libyan National Army (LNA)  launched airstrikes on Misrata International Airport, leading to the injury of one staff member and two airplanes (belonging to Libyan Airlines and Libyan Wings). Civilian flights were temporary suspended. The incident prompted the GNA Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lodge a formal protest with the UN Security Council against the LNA for shelling Misrata and Mitiga airports in which it criticised the international community.

On 5 October, the LNA spokesperson, Ahmed al-Mesmari, said that the LNA had launched four raids targeting four military targets in Sirte. Mesmari claimed the locations were being used to store weapons and ammunition. On 3 October, the spokesperson for the Sirte Protection Force, Taha Hadid, confirmed that the LNA had launched airstrikes targeting al-Qardabiya base causing material damage.

On 3 October, LNA head Khalifa Haftar, President of the House of Representatives (HoR) Aqeela Saleh, and Mayor of Benghazi Saqr Buqwari held a meeting with much public fanfare – Saleh and Buqwari were even received with military honours. According to the LNA’s General Command Information Office, the meeting was part of continued efforts by the LNA and HoR to coordinate and discuss military, social and political issues.