TRIPOLI, Libya — Libya’s capital has been rocked by heavy fighting between the two main armed groups linked to the Tripoli-based government, forcing a halt to flights from the city’s only civilian airport. The fighting between the 444 Brigade and the Al-Radaa Force, or Special Deterrence Force, erupted on Monday night and carried over into Tuesday, an interior ministry official said. Air traffic was stopped at Mitiga airport and flights were diverted to Misrata, about 180 kilometers (110 miles) to the east, and aircraft that had been parked on the tarmac were moved away. The 444 Brigade is affiliated with Libya’s defense ministry and is reputed to be the North African country’s most disciplined. The Al-Radaa Force, commanded by Abdel Rauf Karah, is a powerful ultra-conservative militia that acts as Tripoli’s police force, arresting both suspected jihadists and common criminals.
