Clashes at Tripoli airport

In Libya, clashes between armed militants over control of Tripoli International Airport in late July resulted in the deaths of at least 119 people and ignited an oil fire at the city’s main fuel-storage facility. 

The Islamist Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room militia was attempting to seize the airport from the Zintan militia, which has been in possession of the airport since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. At press time, fighting continued at the airport.

In Benghazi, fighting between militias and the Libyan National Army and allies killed 38 people on July 27. Militants captured a military base in Benghazi from Libyan Special Forces on July 29, killing at least 35 soldiers. Foreign countries, including the US, have evacuated their consular staffs.