Turkey condemns airstrike on Libya airport

Turkey strongly condemned on Wednesday the airstrikes by the Libyan air force at the Mitiga Airport in Libya’s capital Tripoli.

“The airstrikes have worsened the existing problems in Libya and are undermining the efforts to resolve the crisis by peaceful means,” the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a written statement.

The Mitiga Airport in Tripoli, which was recently seized by the Islamist “Dawn of Libya” militia group, was shut Tuesday after being struck by warplanes for the second time in less than 24 hours.

Mitiga was the only functioning airport in Tripoli after the city’s main airport was destroyed in August in clashes between rival militias.

“The crisis in Libya can only be resolved by stopping foreign intervention, ensuring a cease-fire and an inclusive political dialogue,” the statement said.

The ministry also called on all the parties in Libya to support the UN efforts that are trying to establish dialogue in the country.

Libya has been dogged by political instability since the 2011 ouster and death of long-ruling strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

Ever since, rival militias have frequently locked horns, often bringing violence to the country’s main cities, especially Benghazi and the capital Tripoli.