Airport in Libya capital shut down after armed clashes

The main airport in Libya's capital city of Tripoli was shut down Sunday, following armed clashes in its surrounding areas, media reported.

Hakim Ahmed al-Shwehdi, an official responsible for Tripoli's transportation, said that all flights to and from Mitiga airport have been suspended until security is provided, Xinhua reported citing the official LANA news agency.

He added that two security guards were killed during the crossfire near the airport gate. It is not immediately clear about the identities of the attackers and their motives.

Mitiga airport, a former military air base, is currently used for civil flights after the deadly clashes between the Islamist militants and secular forces ruined Tripoli's international airport in July.

Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence since May when deadly clashes erupted between Islamist militants and pro-secular militias. The fighting still flares near Tripoli, Benghazi and Gharyan.