DHAKA: Islamist militia launched their heaviest assault so far on Libya’s main airport on Sunday, two days after a truce with the rival ex-rebels that control it collapsed.

A security official said, reports The Straits Times.

‘The airport was attacked this morning with mortar rounds, rockets and tank fire,’ airport security official Al-Jilani Al-Dahesh told media.

‘It was the most intense bombardment so far.’

Islamist militia first attacked the airport last Sunday, forcing a halt to all flights.

Their continued offensive has caused extensive damage to planes and airport infrastructure that aviation officials say will keep it closed for months.

BDST: 1524 HRS, JUL 20, 2014