translated from Spanish: Libya: U.N. condemns bombing of the only operating airport of Tripoli and warns of a “civil war”

Libya, Ghasán Salamé, UN Special Envoy has condemned the bombing of this Monday on the Mitiga airport the only located close to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, that still worked. In addition, warned of the risk that this conflict will lead to a “civil war”. Salami “condemns the airstrike today’s aircraft of the ENL (Libyan national army) against Mitiga airport, the only airport in the capital with capacity for civilian use”, explains in a note the Mission of United Nations support to Libya (UNSMIL).” This attack constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, prohibiting attacks on civilian infrastructure”, underlined the UN in its press release. The bombing is part of the offensive launched on April 3 by the ENL in ancient quarterback Khalifa Haftar against the Tripoli Government, recognized by the international community. “United Nations is deeply concerned about the welfare of civilians before the current violence and the implications of this attack on the airport,” has argued. Therefore, salami has asked immediately disrupt air operations to reduce tension and less likely the outbreak of a conflict and the beginning of a true civil war”, he added. In addition, urges all UN Member States to use their influence on the parties to stop the conflict and open a dialogue to achieve a political solution. Own ENL has confirmed the bombing of the Mitiga airport through a spokesman, Ahmed Mismari, who explained that they have not attacked any civil aircraft, but only a Russian-made MiG fighter jet. On the other hand, the Libyan Prime Minister, Fayez Serraj, held a telephone conversation with the French President, Emmanuel Macron in which both have addressed the situation following the rise of violence and in particular discussed the situation in Tripoli.serraj accuses France of supporting the offensive of the Haftar ELN and that summoned the French Ambassador to the country, Beatrice Saturday du Hellen.

Original source in Spanish