A fighter loyal to the Libyan internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) fires a heavy machine gun as a press photographer take pictures of the scene during clashes against forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. AFP
The National: As Turkey admits to arming Libya militants, Ankara's open support is causing conflict
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he is supplying militias backing the Tripoli government with arms, armoured vehicles and drones
Turkey’s support of fighters against eastern-based Libyan commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s has been no secret, but recent statements from Ankara mark a particularly brazen step.
The Field Marshal’s Libyan National Army has consistently accused Turkey of aggressively violating Libyan sovereignty and bolstering groups, including extremists, who the LNA says run Tripoli, propping up the UN-backed government.
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Update #1: In Libyan War, Turkey Takes Sides Against Mideast Rivals - Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
Update #2: Is Khalifa Haftar trying to drag Turkey into the Libyan war? (TRT)
Update #3: On Point: Turkey's Latest Libyan War Recalls 1911 (Strategy Page)
WNU Editor: Turkey's involvement in the Syrian quagmire is a news story that many in the West are ignoring. They should not. This is only going to prolong the conflict, and destabilize the region even more than what it is today.
Ottomans!
ReplyDeleteThe empire of low round furniture rises and marches on.
"The Ottoman empire...a whole empire based on putting your feet up!"
ReplyDeleteWhat can you say about an empire whose elite troops (Janissaries, who were feared for a long time) wore a spoon on their hats as an ensign of brotherhood.
DeleteThis is an example of why Erdogan is provoking NATO with the S-400 purchase. He wants to be the king maker in the Middle East and can't do it shackled to NATO and America. In Libya he's going against the US and its Arab allies to the east. Coincidentally Russia is supporting the same side as the US. Turkey is showing it will call the shots on its own without regard to the outside powers.
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ReplyDeleteIn fact the term "spooning" has been attributed to the Janissaries...I guess it helps build comradery.
ReplyDeleteLol, it does give being around the ol' camp fire a new meaning.
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