[IRISHTIMES] Attackers have fired rockets at eastern Libyaas Labraq airport, targeting one of the oil produceras few functioning air hubs as violence between gangs escalates.The airport east of the city of Benghazi has become a major gateway into Libya since Egypt and Tunisia cancelled almost all flights to the capital Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of which is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
and the west of the country last week, citing security reasons.
The North African nation has descended into anarchy with a weak government unable to control fighters who helped topple strongman Muammar Qadaffy
...whose instability was an inspiration to dictators everywhere, but whose end couldn't possibly happen to them...
in 2011 but now vie for control of territory and resources.
The unknown attackers used a Grad multiple rocket launcher but did not cause any major damage and Labraq was still operating, director Abu Bakr al-Abidi said.
Tunis Air suspended flights to Labraq and Tobruk in the far east on Sunday, Libyan officials said. It was one of the last foreign airlines still flying to Libya after rival factions turned Tripoli International Airport into a battlefield last month.
An armed faction mainly from Misrata seized Tripoli airport from a rival group from Zintan, also located in western Libya, on Saturday. The terminal has been destroyed by a fire though it is unclear who was responsible.
Benghazias own airport has been closed since May when a renegade general launched a military campaign on Islamists in the port city.