Watch: Tripoli Port Attacked By Libyan Army

Reports on 18 Feb 20, 1400 LT suggest that the port of Tripoli has been attacked by indiscriminate artillery shelling. Preliminary reporting suggests a warehouse has been damaged in the attack.

Shipping attacked at the port docks near an anchored freighter

Image Credits: @ImageSatIntl

So far no commercial vessels or personnel are believed to have been damaged or injured. There is however the suggestion, that a Turkish-owned tug vessel, Balaban, has faced damage to its bridge.

The attack upon Tripoli port is particularly troubling, and confirms Dryad’s long-held assessment that indiscriminate shelling in the proximity of the port, potentially targeting Mitiga International Airport, would effect the port area.

Image Credits: The Libya Observer

So far it is not confirmed the attack was deliberate, however suggestions that a cargo vessel from Turkey was in port, and may have been unloading weapons destined for the GNA, suggests a particular target.

This is however unverified, but if true it would be the first instance of clear targeting of the port area, and may heighten the threat to vessels due to indirect targeting. So far a point of origin for the artillery attack, and if it was conducted by the LNA, cannot be verified.

قصف ميناء طرابلس من قبل قوات حفتر قبل قليل pic.twitter.com/Ov3nehREwl

— Amr Elqazaz (@amrsalama) February 18, 2020

Due to this ongoing threat, Dryad assesses there remains a HIGH threat in Tripoli into the short term, and vessels and personnel are advised to avoid the port of Tripoli.