The Government of National Accord (GNA) Minister of Interior announced on 17 September the hand over of Mitiga airport from the Special Deterrence Forces (Rada) to a new force within the Ministry of Interior. As result, the aiport will be temporarily shut down. This measure constitutes an attempt by the GNA to reshape the power balance in Tripoli in the aftermath of the violent militia fighting that took place in the capital city over the past weeks. While the fragile ceasefire continues in Tripoli, pressure continues to mount politically on the UN-backed GNA and its President Fayez al-Serraj from various towns in the western region. Based on the UN-brokered ceasefire agreement, Serraj made a number of important decisions trying to reduce the threat of renewed violence, but these decisions are unlikely to prevent future clashes. Forces from Misrata remain camped in Tajura, just east of Tripoli, while forces from Tarhuna held a large tribal meeting making twelve demands and giving Serraj a three-day ultimatum to disband militias or operations will continue. Tripoli, Zawiyya and some other towns also saw small protests calling for the removal of Serraj as public anger continues to mount.
Temporary shut down of Mitiga Aiport