Erdogan Says Turkey Already Sending Troops to Libya

Arab World

January 6th, 6:47am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a televised interviews in Istanbul, late Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. (AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday that the country was deploying military units to Libya, where Ankara is supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Turkey’s parliament authorized the deployment of troops to Libya on Thursday, following a separate deal on sending military experts and weapons signed into law in December. Erdogan said in a televised interview that Turkish soldiers were “already going gradually” to Libya. He said Turkish soldiers were tasked with “coordination” at a command center. “The goal of the Turkish armed forces is not to fight, but to ensure a ceasefire in Libya” while supporting the GNA, Erdogan said, calling it the “legitimate government.” Erdogan's comments were carried by broadcaster CNN Turk. Fayez al-Sarraj’s GNA has faced an offensive by the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Gen. Khalifa Hafter. Turkey's move comes after the GNA made a formal request for military support. Libya and Turkey signed security and maritime agreements in November last year, angering Mediterranean countries including Greece and Cyprus who also seek to exploit energy resources in the region.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2068646/erdogan-says-turkey-already-sending-troops-libya