2012 Tripoli airport clashes

2012 Tripoli airport clashes Post-civil war violence in Libya 4 June 2012 Tripoli International Airport, Libya Government victory Al-Awfea Brigade Libya Libyan government Unknown Hakim Buhagir Essam al-Gatous 200 militants60–70 vehicles2 tanks 1,500 Ministry of Interior SSC personnel1,500 Ministry of Defence personnel 17+ militiamen arrested4 militiamen wounded1 tank destroyed1 tank captured 60 wounded The 2012 Tripoli airport clashes occurred on 4 June 2012, after members of the Al-Awfea militia stormed the Tripoli International Airport as a measure to prompt the government's release of its jailed leader, Abu Oegeila al-Hebshi. Background The Tarhouna Al-Awfea militia group was enlisted under the command of the Libyan National Army, and performed several missions tasked by military command. On the day before the clashes, Commander Abu-Alija Habshi travelled to Tripoli with two tanks that were to be given to the army barracks. However, Habshi was stopped at a checkpoint outside of Tripoli and was asked to leave the tanks there instead; he was also informed that he needed to return to Tarhouna in order to obtain proper government documentation. However, that was the last time Habshi has been reported seen by anyone. The Libyan government has denied any involvement in Habshi's disappearance, but militiamen under the Commander's authority have alleged that the security forces are closely connected with the disappearance.Exclusive – New details emerge about Tripoli airport seizure as Libya Herald gains access to prisoners at Metiga airbase https://www.libyaherald.com/exclusive-new-details-emerge-about-tripoli-airport-siege-as-libya-herald-gains-access-to-metiga-airbase/ 30 June 2012 Libya Herald 6 June 2012 George Grant and Rida Akil Libya Herald Events 200 gunmen belonging to the Al-Awfea militia took control of the Tripoli International Airport and stopped all flights, after Al-Awfea militiamen ignored the ultimatum given by Defence minister Osama Juwaili to surrender the SSC and MoD forces that stormed the airport, destroyed one tank and captured the other and also arrested more than 172 Tarhouni militiamen.The airport fiasco https://www.libyaherald.com/the-airport-fiasco/ 30 June 2012 Libya Herald 8 June 2012 Umar Khan Libya Herald Aftermath The airport remained non-functional after the clashes. Government spokesman Nasser al-Manee said that "the airport will resume operation within 24 hours. [He] heard there were some injured". The next day, on 6 June, some airlines restarted their flights from Tripoli International.Update – Some flights resume at Tripoli airport https://www.libyaherald.com/some-flights-resume-at-tripoli-airport 30 June 2012 Libya Herald 6 June 2012 Staff Libya Herald References Sources Hadeel Al Shalchi (4 June 2012) "Fighting at Tripoli airport, gunmen surround planes". Reuters. Retrieved on 18 June 2012 June 2017 Libya Category:2012 conflicts Category:2012 in Libya Airport clashes, 2012 Category:Aftermath of the Libyan civil war (2011) Category:Battles and conflicts without fatalities Category:Attacks on airports in Libya Category:June 2012 in Libya Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2012 Category:Military operations involving airports Category:Battles of Tripoli, Libya