Shortly before 1800hrs on the 24th November the Libyan capital (Tripoli) was hit by a single airstrike from an unidentified war-plane. The airstrike was targeted at the capitals second airport Matiga where 2 x impact areas were recorded, along with minor causalities immediately closing the capitals only airport and naturally causing much confusion and uncertainty. The airstrike was not immediately claiming by any single source or the origin location of the fighter jet itself.
Following the incident it was initially reported that the 2 x impact areas were that of the physical runway causing significant damage and 2 casualties (local labour employees), however later reports emerged that the impact areas ‘did not’ land on the actual runway its self. The airport was immediately cleared and evacuated and deemed closed, all airborne flights were re-routed to Musrata Airport where airlines provided transport for dispersed travellers. There were no follow up incidents at Matiga airport on the 25th November there was no inner city large-scale emergency reaction to the lone incident.
‘While the report is being compiled, reports are emerging that Matiga Airport is now again subject to airstrikes’.
In a statement by Tobruq based Libyan Prime Minister, Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni stated day that more Air Force jets are being sent, while ground force troops have reportedly been stationed around the city. A Libyan Army spokesperson also called for civilians to avoid buildings and areas which have a strong Libya Dawn presence.
UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) head Bernadino Leon claimed on 24 November 2014, that he will begin a fresh round of talks with various political leaders in Libya, with the intention of coordinating dialogue between the rival governments. Leon has indicated over the past week that greater efforts have been made to include leaders from the rival government and the militias which support it, although thus far Leon has not met with NSG head Omar al Hassi.
The controversial leader of Operation Dignity in Benghazi, Khalifa Hifter, was reappointed to an official post in the Libyan Army, along with sixteen other retired military commanders, by the House of Representatives on 23 November 2014. Such a move is likely to further heighten tensions between the Tobruk-based parliament and its rivals in Tripoli.
A senior member of Ansar Al-Sharia, Faraj Fezzani, was killed in Leithi district today. Reports state that he was targeted while on his way to buy cooking gas near the Wijda School in the centre of the district. Apparently, a member of the army recognised him and shot him dead.
After ten days of disruption, Al Madar’s said its mobile service in eastern Libya is back up and running thanks to the delivery of fuel to emergency generators.
SNE Recommendations
Due to the current ongoing unstable situation within Tripoli, SNE recommends that only business essential travel and movements should be undertaken within the Tripoli city limits at present and no movement should be attempted in the hours of darkness or near the area of Tripoli International Airport and surroundings areas which have been affected by the fighting.
We are supporting clients at present in Tripoli with business essential travel visits and are offering a full turnkey risk management and transportation with accommodation and life support package based from our Tripoli villa. We are advising No movement to the western area of Libya in and around Kikla and Rujban and other surrounding areas where heavy fighting is still ongoing between the Zintan and Misrata militia groups.
Fighting is also currently ongoing in the areas of Ubari, Sabha & Murzuq and we are advising our clients Not to travel to these area at present.
SNE is still advising NO travel should be made to Benghazi until the current situation shows signs of stability.
The British FCO and US State Department are advising against travel to Libya.
SNE remains fully operational on the ground within Tripoli, where our British Country Management Team are able to support any of our existing and additional clients on request, or provide up to date accurate information and analysis on the ever changing situation to those clients who are currently out of country monitoring the situation with an aim to re-deploying when the security situation allows.
Before considering travel to Libya, an itinerary specific pre-travel risk assessment including mitigation measures are recommended. In-country personnel should be confident in their evacuation procedures and crisis management plans and in light of the current situation these should be checked and updated where necessary with the appropriate level of support in country to activate the plans when required.
