An unidentified Libyan armed group has declared a “popular armed uprising” against the “Turkish occupation of Libya.”
The group accused Türkiye of “overreaching in its control over key Libyan areas”, including Al-Watiya Airbase, Sidi Bilal Port, and more recently, the vital Khoms Port.
“We announce that all locations occupied by the Turks are legitimate targets for the heroes of the uprising.”
In a statement published Monday by local media, the group said the Turkish bases and camps in Libya are “nothing short of the initial steps towards colonization, and an attempt to drag Libya back into a bygone colonial era.”
The uprising is aimed at informing the Turks that Libya will not be occupied again and its wealth and resources will not be robbed and that the Libyans should be allowed to determine their own fate.
The statement did not name the group.
The Government of National Unity, Presidential Council and Libyan National Army did not comment on the statement.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Defense released on Tuesday images of a Turkish military frigate conducting training off the coast of Libya. The training included live-fire weapons tests and helicopter operations.