The Libyan government assumed control of the country's main international airport yesterday, taking over from militia fighters who had been providing security for months in the absence of an official force to do the job.

The handover marked a step forward for Libya's new rulers as they try to stamp their authority on the country and bring under their control the various armed brigades that helped topple Muammar Gaddafi.

Fighters from the powerful Zintan militia took control of the airport eight months ago in the closing days of last year's civil war.