Libya: General Haftar’s troops claim responsibility for Tripoli air raids

Tripoli, Libya (PANA) – Pilots of the Libyan air force loyal retired General Khalifa Haftar have claimed responsibility for air raids carried out by two fighter jets early on Monday morning in Tripoli on positions of militias from Misrata involved in the battle for control of the capital's airport, Libyan media reported.

The Libyan air force, fighting with troops loyal to Haftar, carried out air strikes in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, said the commander of the air force in Benghazi, Slah al-Jrouchi.

"The operation, Karama, led by Haftar against the Islamists, confirms they carried out air strikes on several positions of the Misrata militias,” said Mr al-Jrouchi.

The Libyan government on Monday ordered an investigation to determine the identity of the fighter jets which early on Monday morning carried out the air strikes on several sites in the suburb of Tripoli, leaving at least five dead and several others injured.

Rumours had first said the air raids were carried out by an intervention of foreign countries under the aegis of the United Nations.

However, the UN Support Mission in Libya denied that the UN was involved, adding that they enquired from France and Italy who denied any involvement.
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