US Pushes for Withdrawal of Foreign Forces from Libya before Elections

Turkish forces search for mines and explosives on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli (Getty Images)
Turkish forces search for mines and explosives on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli (Getty Images)
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US Pushes for Withdrawal of Foreign Forces from Libya before Elections

Turkish forces search for mines and explosives on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli (Getty Images)
Turkish forces search for mines and explosives on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, Tripoli (Getty Images)

The US has renewed its call on the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya before the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 24.

Reports indicated that Turkey and Russia began negotiating in Moscow on an agreement for a simultaneous withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territories.

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland told the US Senate that Washington hopes to reach an agreement to withdraw mercenaries from Libya before the election date.

Nuland also said that Turkey and Russia want to withdraw mercenaries from Libya simultaneously, stressing that Washington is working with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Jan Kubis, for this purpose.

Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar dispatched the head of his General Commander's Office, Khairi al-Tamimi, to Moscow, on a surprise visit to discuss the joint coordination on the sidelines of meetings between Russian and Turkish officials.

Meanwhile, the Libyan unity government, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, intends to hold its first meeting in the southern city of Sabha next week.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Adel Jumaa announced that the government’s fifth regular meeting would be held in Sabha to identify the difficulties and challenges in the city.

Jumaa acknowledged the difficulties but asserted that the government is determined to find solutions to the city’s problems.



Erdogan Says Türkiye Will Not Allow Syria to Be Divided

 The Syrian Defense Ministry building sits heavily damaged after alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP)
The Syrian Defense Ministry building sits heavily damaged after alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP)
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Erdogan Says Türkiye Will Not Allow Syria to Be Divided

 The Syrian Defense Ministry building sits heavily damaged after alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP)
The Syrian Defense Ministry building sits heavily damaged after alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Türkiye will not allow Syria to be divided or its multicultural structure and territorial integrity harmed, after Israel's actions sought to "sabotage" a ceasefire in the country.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, he said Israel's actions show it does not want peace.

Earlier, Erdogan and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed Israel's attacks on Damascus in a phone call, Türkiye's presidency said, adding Erdogan had voiced support for Damascus.

The presidency said Erdogan told Sharaa that Israel's attacks were unacceptable and a threat to the entire region, and Ankara welcomed a ceasefire reached with Syria's Druze.

Sharaa thanked Erdogan for Türkiye's support in protecting Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, it added.