Aimen Amzein.
Damage at the newly refurbished departure lounge (Photo: Social Media
Benghazi, 12 July 2014:
Four rockets which struck Benina Airport yesterday have destroyed its newly refurbished international departures lounge.
The missile strike did not cause any injuries and, as yet, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The shells caused some structural damage and destroyed a new restaurant and waiting area. These facilities had only recently been completed. There have also been reports of damage to the airport’s car park and several cars.
Benina remains closed to civilian air traffic due to security concerns over clashes around the nearby Saiqa Special Forces base which has regularly been targeted by armed groups affiliated with Ansar Al-Sharia. The airport is also the base of the airforce’s helicopter unit that is supporting the Operation Dignity assault against Ansar Al-Sharia and other militias.