DHAKA: Deadly clashes raged on Sunday around Libya’s main international airport, closing it down, as the anti-Islamist militia that control it came under attack.

Airport officials said, reports The Straits Times.

The exchanges of fire with heavy weapons killed at least six people and wounded 25, a health ministry official said.

It was not immediately known if civilians were among the casualties.

The assault on the Zintan militia which controls the airport by Islamist militants came after the UN pulled staff from Libya citing security reasons, and as the United States warned of further escalation.

BDST: 2112 HRS, JUL 13, 2014