Libya: Al-Watiya airbase where Turkey may build base was hit by Haftar’s jets

22:18 5/7/2020 - Πηγή: Armynow

Al-Watiya airbase that was recently recaptured by Libya’s internationally recognised government with the aid of turkish mercenaries from the eastern forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar was bombarded overnight by warplanes, amid widespread suspicion that turkish forces were preparing to install an new base.

The strikes were carried out by “unknown aircraft”, the military

source with the Libyan National Army (LNA) of eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar said.

Watiya’s recapture in May by the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli marked the start of a sudden collapse of the LNA’s 14-month assault to seize the capital and its retreat along the coast to the new frontlines.

Turkey’s growing intervention and diplomatic reactions

Turkish support was vital to the GNA in turning back the LNA offensive, providing it with advanced air defence capabilities and drone strikes that targeted Khalifa’s supply lines and troop build-ups.

A Turkish source said last month that Turkey was in talks with the GNA to establish two bases in Libya, one of them at Watiya, the most important airbase in western Libya.

Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was in Tripoli for meetings with the GNA on Friday and Saturday and Akar swore to do all that was necessary to help it, a Turkish defence ministry statement said.

GNA’s opponent, the LNA of Khalifa Haftar is mainly backed by the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Egypt. During its advance towards Tripoli last year, the LNA was assisted by Egyptian and UAE airstrikes.

Last month, the United States accused Russia of sending at least 14 MiG29 and Su-24 warplanes to an LNA base via Syria, where their Russian airforce markings were removed.

The steadily growing Turkish involvement in Libya has also angered France and Greece and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has warned of new sanctions on Ankara.

The GNA and LNA are now mobilising forces at the new frontlines between the cities of Misrata and Sirte. Egypt has warned that any Turkish-backed effort to take Sirte, which the LNA captured in January, could lead its army to directly intervene.

Source: reuters.com

The post Libya: Al-Watiya airbase where Turkey may build base was hit by Haftar’s jets appeared first on ARMYNOW.NET.