Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has canceled a visit to Benghazi scheduled for Monday after militias loyal to warlord Khalifa Haftar cordoned off Benina Airport.
After days of incitement, and a protest in Benghazi, Libyan PM cancels (supposedly postpones) his visit to the city
— Samer Al-Atrush (@SameralAtrush) April 25, 2021
Dbeibeh was about to depart from Mitiga Airport in the capital Tripoli late Sunday to visit Benghazi, according to Libyan government sources.
He canceled the visit and returned from the airport after learning of the move by Haftar’s militias, the sources added.
Dbeibeh was expected to hold a cabinet meeting in Benghazi, visit some institutions and regions and examine the condition of places damaged by the country’s civil war.
On Feb. 5, Libya's rival political groups agreed during UN-mediated talks in Geneva to form an interim government to lead the country to elections this December. Libyan delegates elected Mohammad Menfi to head a three-member Presidential Council and Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh as the new prime minister.
New airline Berniq Airways makes its first flight from #Benina airport to #Sebha airport.#Libya #Fezzan #Barqa pic.twitter.com/UTugdt0iud
— Fezzan Libya Org (@FezzanLibyaOrg) March 22, 2021
Libyans hope the government will end years of civil war that have engulfed the country since the ouster and killing of strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi in 2011.
This article has been adapted from its original source.