Erdogan Insists on Decisive Action in Libya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the opening ceremony of the Sümela Monastery in Turkey's northern Trabzon province via teleconference from another location, July 29, 2020. (AA Photo)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the opening ceremony of the Sümela Monastery in Turkey's northern Trabzon province via teleconference from another location, July 29, 2020. (AA Photo)
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Erdogan Insists on Decisive Action in Libya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the opening ceremony of the Sümela Monastery in Turkey's northern Trabzon province via teleconference from another location, July 29, 2020. (AA Photo)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the opening ceremony of the Sümela Monastery in Turkey's northern Trabzon province via teleconference from another location, July 29, 2020. (AA Photo)

Tukey has sent mixed signals regarding the Libyan crisis by pledging a decision military action and calling for a peaceful solution in the war-torn country.

“We are determined to make sure that our struggle in the vast region from Iraq to Syria and Libya ends in victory for our country and our friends and brothers and sisters in these countries,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Turkey will also continue to defend its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean, he said.

In the same context, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar affirmed in statements Thursday that Turkey is doing its utmost to help its Libyan brothers, in order to bring about a ceasefire, stability, and territorial integrity in Libya.

Akar added that the continued external military support received by Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar represents the greatest obstacle to peace in the country.

Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, stated that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested “Fadl Al-Libi”, the leader of “Jaysh Al-Sahel” operating under the banner of “Hurras Al-Din” organization.

The militant was arrested for refusing to leave Syria and engage in fighting in Libya, at Turkish authorities' orders.

Russia’s Sputnik also revealed Thursday that a new group of mercenaries was dispatched to al-Watiya airbase in western Libya.

Further, weapons and mercenaries were sent to Misrata ahead of a possible new operation in Sirte and Jufra.



UN Calls for 'Immediate Deescalation' in Libyan Capital

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
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UN Calls for 'Immediate Deescalation' in Libyan Capital

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP

The UN mission in Libya called for "immediate deescalation", citing reports of armed forces being mobilized in the capital and its surroundings that have raised fears of renewed violence.

In mid-May, there were clashes in Tripoli between forces loyal to the government and powerful armed groups wanting to dismantle it.

In a statement published late on Wednesday on X, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said there were "increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli", AFP reported.

It said it "strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes".

It called for all parties to "engage in good faith" in deescalation and for the "swift implementation of security arrangements" set out during efforts to end the May violence.

Those clashes left six people dead, the United Nations said.

"Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay," UNSMIL said.

Libya has been gripped by conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising.

The country remains split between Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's UN-recognized government based in Tripoli and a rival administration based in the east.

In a TV interview on Monday, Dbeibah called for armed groups to vacate the areas under their control.

Among the sites held by armed factions are the Mitiga airport in the east of the capital, which is controlled by the powerful Radaa Force.

"Dialogue -- not violence -- remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya", the UNSMIL statement said.