Egypt, Tunisia cancel flights to Libya amid militia fighting

CAIRO – Tunisia and Egypt have canceled flights to neighboring Libya citing security concerns, as militias battle in the capital Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi, where a renegade general has launched airstrikes on Islamist militia barracks.

Tunisia's Transportation Ministry on Thursday said flights coming from Libya were canceled, citing the need to ensure travelers' safety in accordance with international standards.  Egyptian airport officials said flights from Cairo to Libya have been canceled, though service from second city Alexandria would continue. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

Libya is witnessing its worst spasm of violence since longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi was toppled in 2011.