Units of the Libyan National Army (LNA) have left the territory of Tripoli International Airport, Sky News Arabia reported. As the media outlet noted, the strategic site is currently controlled by groups loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
The day before, GNA forces reportedly launched air strikes on LNA positions in the area, prompting the latter to start an aerial military operation there. As local sources confirmed to Sputnik, military aircraft were flying intensively in the skies over Tripoli, coming from the LNA-controlled settlement of Wadi Ar-Rabi.
READ MORE: Libyan GNA Chief Agrees to Meet With LNA's Haftar Who Rejects Option — Reports
Haftar-led units seized Tripoli International Airport on 6 April and established full control over the strategic site, which has not been operating since 2014. In turn, Libyan government forces have reportedly started a counteroffensive to defend Tripoli, according to media reports.
READ MORE: Tripoli Forces Retake Former International Airport — Reports
Control over Libya remains divided following years of conflict after the NATO-supported rebellion which hit the country, resulting in the murder of the ex-head of state, Muammar Gaddafi. Since then, there has been no single central government in Libya despite talks that both sides have recently held. The Tobruk-based parliament, elected in 2014 and backed by the LNA, governs the east of Libya, while the GNA, established in 2015, controls Libya's western parts from Tripoli.
