Turkish Air Force Activity Linked to Libya Exposed over Mediterranean

Turkish aircraft have flown fighters and cargo to western Libya. (Reuters)
Turkish aircraft have flown fighters and cargo to western Libya. (Reuters)
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Turkish Air Force Activity Linked to Libya Exposed over Mediterranean

Turkish aircraft have flown fighters and cargo to western Libya. (Reuters)
Turkish aircraft have flown fighters and cargo to western Libya. (Reuters)

Turkish aircraft have been active over the eastern Mediterranean as the defense ministry announced Friday that its vessels and fighter jets will perform drills in the area.

The Turkish itamilradar website reported that three jets were detected as they flew towards western Libya in what was described as a “major mission”.

In a series of tweets, the website said the aircraft may have been transporting fighters or weapons from Turkey to Libya where Ankara supports the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

The defense ministry only declared the drills after news of the unusual aircraft activity circulated on social media, said itamilradar.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s general prosecution recommended that a lawmaker be stripped of his immunity for revealing details of how Turkish intelligence officers were killed in Libya.

Opposition MP Umit Ozdag had held a press conference at parliament in February when he revealed the death of the officers in military operations in Libya.

The general prosecution said he had violated intelligence agency regulations when he disclosed the information.

The prosecution had previously arrested six journalists and lifted the immunity of another MP for the same reason.



Lebanon’s New PM Sees Positive Atmosphere in Cabinet Formation Talks

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
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Lebanon’s New PM Sees Positive Atmosphere in Cabinet Formation Talks

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaking to the media at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut on January 17, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / Handout/ AFP

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Friday the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a very positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers on Monday to form the new government, although he did not win the backing of the Shiite parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, led by parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"The atmosphere is more than positive among all the blocs and today from Speaker Berri," Salam said, speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, who was elected by parliament on Jan. 9.

Berri, a close Hezbollah ally, said on Friday he held a "promising meeting" with Salam.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah and Amal had wanted the incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati to stay in the post, but a majority of lawmakers opted for Salam, who formerly served as president of the International Court of Justice.

Government formation discussions are often protracted in Lebanon, due to bartering among its sectarian factions over cabinet positions.