War-torn Libya welcomes first tourists in a decade

GHADAMES, LIBYA - OCTOBER 20: A group of 100 tourists have arrived in Libya on Wednesday after a decade of conflicts in the country. They arrived in the city of Ghadames, some six hundred kilometers southwest from the capital Tripoli. It is the first time since the overthrow and killing of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has been torn by civil war since then. The tourist group includes mostly the Italians and the French, local sources told Anadolu Agency. They are first planning a safari tour across southern Sahara, Akakus (Acacus) Mountains, and Gabaroun Lake. Then, they are expected to arrive in the capital Tripoli. The capital was under a months-long offensive by forces loyal to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar. However, the legitimate Government of National Accord (GNA) was able, with Turkish security assistance, to foil Haftar’s attempts. On March 16, a new transitional unity government headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah was approved to lead the country to elections this December. (Footage by AA/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)