Explosion reported at ammunition depot in Misrata
Witnesses in Misrata, a city in northwestern Libya, said a major explosion occurred at an ammunition depot on Friday night. The blast caused intense shaking in the city, located about 200 kilometers east of the capital, Tripoli.
Witnesses said heavy smoke rose from the area where the headquarters of the Al-Isar Battalion is located after the explosion. A large fire broke out at the facility housing the headquarters opposite Al-Sakt Prison.
The witnesses also said some objects were hurled in random directions. Ambulances and fire engines were sent to the area to respond to the blaze.
Claims that ammunition fragments spread across the area
Libyan newspaper Al-Marsad published footage it said showed explosions and flames at the ammunition depot reportedly belonging to the Al-Isar Battalion. The newspaper also said objects launched from the facility fell in surrounding areas.
The Libya Press and Al-Wasat websites also published similar footage and information about the incident. Reports that ammunition and rockets were scattered across the surrounding area have not been independently verified.