Libyan force imposes ‘no-fly zone’ amid fight for Tripoli

The no-fly zone over Tripoli comes after two unmanned drone aircraft — one American and one Italian — were lost near the capital last week. (Getty Images/AFP)

• Two unmanned drone aircraft — one American and one Italian — were lost near the capital last week
• A UN-supported but weak administration holds the capital, Tripoli

CAIRO: One of the armed groups fighting for control of Libya’s capital says it is imposing a “no-fly zone” there.
The self-styled Libyan National Army’s announcement comes after two unmanned drone aircraft — one American and one Italian — were lost near the capital last week.
The LNA has said it shot down the Italian drone, while the US military hasn’t given a reason for its drone’s loss.
Ahmed Al-Mosmari, an LNA spokesman, said late Saturday that all flights over Tripoli and nearby towns are “prohibited without prior coordination.”
Oil-rich Libya is split between rival governments. A UN-supported but weak administration holds the capital, Tripoli. The LNA is allied with the government based in the country’s east.
The LNA has been trying to capture Tripoli since April.