Islamist-led militiamen have stepped up their assault on Libya´s main airport, controlled by rival fighters, which the health ministry said earlier today that heavy fighting had left at least 47 dead in a week.
The fighting, which erupted on July 13 and shut Tripoli international airport, also injured 120 people, according to figures for the week until Saturday.
The European Union condemned a fresh outbreak of violence Sunday, two days after the collapse of a truce with the militia controlling the airport, which left five civilians dead according to local media.
A coalition of militias led by Islamist fighters launched an assault on the airport on Sunday, with clashes later spreading along the road to the capital.
The fighting has halted all flights and caused extensive damage to planes and airport infrastructure, with aviation officials saying Tripoli airport could be closed for months.
Pictures posted on social media showed a Libyan Airlines plane on fire as plumes of smoke billowed over the airport.
