Explosion rocks weapons depot in northwestern Libya

An explosion rocked a weapons depot in northwestern Libya late Friday, with media reports and witnesses reporting that ammunition and rockets were propelled into surrounding areas.

Witnesses told Anadolu that they heard a massive explosion that shook Misrata, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of the capital, Tripoli, and the second-largest city in western Libya after Tripoli.

The witnesses said that after the explosion, they saw thick smoke rising from the headquarters of the Al-I’sar Battalion, opposite Al-Sakt prison.

They said projectiles flew in random directions while a major fire appeared to have broken out inside, adding that ambulances and fire engines were heard heading toward the area.

Libya's Al-Marsad newspaper published footage that it said showed continuing explosions and flames inside an ammunition depot belonging to the Al-I'sar Battalion. It also reported that projectiles were flying from the site and landing in surrounding areas.

The Libya Press and Al-Wasat news websites circulated similar footage and information about the incident.

Anadolu could not independently verify the footage or reports of ammunition and rockets being propelled.