Tracking Website Shows Turkish Air Bridge to Western Libya

Libyan soldiers conduct a graduation ceremony following the completion of training by the Turkish Armed Forces, Nov. 22, 2020. (AA)
Libyan soldiers conduct a graduation ceremony following the completion of training by the Turkish Armed Forces, Nov. 22, 2020. (AA)
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Tracking Website Shows Turkish Air Bridge to Western Libya

Libyan soldiers conduct a graduation ceremony following the completion of training by the Turkish Armed Forces, Nov. 22, 2020. (AA)
Libyan soldiers conduct a graduation ceremony following the completion of training by the Turkish Armed Forces, Nov. 22, 2020. (AA)

Itamilradar, a website on military aircraft tracking in Italy and the Mediterranean, has disclosed movements for Turkish military transport aircraft above the center and east of the Mediterranean towards Libya.

The website noted that it tracked two Turkish Air Force flights between Libya and Turkey. They headed towards the west of Libya in Misrata. This indicates that Turkey continues to arm its members in western Libya.

Moreover, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced resuming training for the Government of National Accord forces in line with the deal struck with the GNA on Nov. 27, 2019.

The training is provided by Turkish army personnel “in order to raise the Libyan army to international standards,” the Ministry tweeted.

Such developments occurred amid a crisis between Ankara and the European Union resulting from the German frigate Hamburg stopping the Turkish-flagged cargo ship, Roseline A, as part of a European Union mission called Operation Irini.

The Operation was launched by the EU to monitor and enforce compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolution which bans arms shipments to Libya.

German personnel from the Irini mission boarded the Roseline A to search for arms belonging to militias loyal to GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj.

Turkey said the inspection was carried out without its consent, and submitted a complaint to the EU.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saw this as an “aggression” that is unjustified by virtue of the international law and the law of the sea.



Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
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Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)

Iraq’s Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate a series of drone attacks targeting military radar systems at two separate bases, officials said.

The strikes hit a radar installation at the Taji military camp, north of Baghdad, and another at the Imam Ali airbase in the southern province of Dhi Qar. A third suspected drone attack reportedly struck a base near Baghdad International Airport, also housing radar systems, according to local media reports.

The incidents came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it remained unclear whether the attacks were connected to the development.

Sudani said on Tuesday his government would not tolerate any act – internal or external – that threatens national security, vowing a firm and decisive response.

“We will not show leniency toward any aggression that harms the security of Iraq,” Sudani said during a cabinet meeting, according to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

“Our response will be resolute and strong,” added Sudani.

He confirmed that Iraqi military bases were targeted in what he described as a “cowardly and treacherous” attack using explosive-laden suicide drones.

“Our armed forces and air defenses responded swiftly to other attempted attacks on different bases, successfully intercepting and downing the drones,” Sudani said, without elaborating on the origin of the attacks.

The prime minister also welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a “positive step,” and expressed hope that the truce would be “solid and lasting, not fragile.”

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, also described the drone strikes as “cowardly and treacherous,” saying the attacks caused significant damage to radar infrastructure.

In a statement, al-Numan said a swarm of small, explosive-laden drones had struck the military installations in Taji and Dhi Qar. He confirmed there were no casualties.

Images circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the radar station at the Taji base.

“Our forces were able to thwart additional drone attacks targeting four other locations,” al-Numan added, noting that air defenses successfully downed the incoming UAVs before they reached their targets.

All of the sites targeted in the recent drone attacks were fully operated by Iraqi security forces, dismissing speculation of foreign involvement.

“All targeted locations are exclusively Iraqi military sites, overseen and operated by officers and personnel from our heroic security forces,” said al-Numan.

Following the coordinated attacks, Sudani ordered the creation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible, and fully track the findings of the probe.

“These cowardly criminal acts will not go unpunished,” al-Numan said. “Our armed forces remain the unshakable shield of Iraq, defending its people, land, and sovereignty.”

Military sources revealed that the first drone strike destroyed a TPS-77 radar system at the Taji military base. A second attack targeted an AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar at the Imam Ali base.

Local media also reported, citing unverified sources, that a third drone targeted a US-made radar system at Victoria Base near Baghdad International Airport, which has previously hosted US troops. Authorities have yet to confirm this claim.

The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following a US-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the nature and precision of the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation.