Turkey Warns Egypt That They Will Deploy More Forces To Libya If Egypt's Military Enter Libya

El-Sisi had stressed that the frontline of Sirte and Al-Jufra was “a red line” for Egyptian national security in response to the advancement of the GNA supported by Turkey to those areas.https://t.co/uBOXNosESs

— Al Bawaba News (@AlBawabaEnglish) July 21, 2020

Al Jazeera: 'Dangerous adventure': Turkey warns Egypt over Libya invasion

At Istanbul meeting, Russia and Turkey agree to push for a ceasefire but Ankara says eastern commander must retreat.

Turkey and Russia agreed on Wednesday to press for a ceasefire in war-ravaged Libya, but Ankara said the leader of the eastern forces was illegitimate and must withdraw from key positions for a credible truce to take hold.

Moscow and Ankara are among the main power brokers in Libya's conflict while supporting opposing sides. Russia backs the eastern-based forces of renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, while Turkey has helped the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) repel Haftar's attempt to storm the capital.

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WNU Editor: I also expect this to happen .... Egypt's Military Is Likely Headed Into Libya (And Turkey Is to Blame) (National Interest).

More News On The 'War Of Words' Between Turkey And Egypt

Turkey Warns Egypt Over Libya, Lashes Out at Macron’s Role -- Bloomberg
Turkey says Egyptian intervention in Libya would be ‘dangerous adventure’ -- Ahval
Turkey plans to increase its forces in Libya if Egypt enters: Zaman -- AMN
Libya: Egypt's decision to send its army is ‘a declaration of war’ -- Middle East Monitor
How will Turkey respond to Egypt’s intervention in Libya? -- Middle East Monitor
Libyan conflict at risk of spiraling out of control -- Arab News

Air War Intensifies Over The Skies Of Libya

Warzone/The Drive: Two Su-24 Combat Jets Seen In Satellite Image Of Libyan Air Base As Air War Intensifies

Turkey sent air defense assets to Libya following the arrival of the Russian-supplied jets, underscoring growing foreign involvement in the conflict.

Recent satellite images of Al Jufrah Air Base in central Libya shows two Su-24 Fencer combat jets parked outside hardened aircraft shelters at the southern end of the base. This indicates these jets are still operating out of the base nearly a month after U.S. Africa Command released imagery showing one of them actually in flight there. This all comes amid an intensifying aerial component of the country's civil war as foreign powers, chiefly Turkey and Russia, become even more directly entangled in the fighting.

The pair of Fencer attack jets appear in imagery dated July 13, 2020, that The War Zone obtained from Planet Labs. U.S. Africa Command's (AFRICOM) image that caught an Su-24 landing at Al Jufrah was taken on June 18. Russia sent at least 14 combat jets, in total, to Libya, including both Su-24s and MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets, in May.

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WNU Editor: Turkey is claiming that these Russian aircraft are already carrying out airstrikes .... Turkish source: Russia behind airstrikes on Al-Watiya base in western Libya (Libya Observer). The Pentagon is saying that Turkey has airlifted thousands of Syrian fighters to join this fight .... Pentagon Says Turkey Sent 3,500 Syrian Fighters To Back Libyan Government (RFE). Everyone is expecting the next battle to occur here .... Libya: GNA fighters head for front as battle for Sirte looms (Al Jazeera).

Foreign Warplanes Hit Libya's al-Watiya Airbase Recently Captured From Eastern Forces Led By Khalifa Haftar

Reuters: Jets hit Libya's al-Watiya airbase where Turkey may build base, sources say

BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Warplanes struck overnight at an airbase that was recently recaptured by Libya’s internationally recognised government from eastern forces with help from Turkey, a military source with the eastern forces and a resident nearby said.

The strikes were carried out by “unknown aircraft”, the military source with the Libyan National Army (LNA) of eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar said.

A resident at the nearby town of Zintan said explosions were heard from the direction of the base.

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.

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Update #1: Jets hit strategic al-Watiya airbase in Libya where Turkey may build base: Sources -- Middle East Eye
Update #2: Libyan Defense Ministry: Foreign treacherous aircraft behind strikes on Al-Watiya airbase -- Libya Observer

WNU Editor: Reports from Egypt are saying that a number of Turkish military personnel were killed .... 6 Turkish officers, commanders killed in 9 strikes by 'unknown aircraft' (Egypt Today). The Libyan government is vowing revenge .... Libya gov't vows response after base hit by 'foreign air force' (Al Jazeera)

According To The U.S. Russian Fighter Jets Are Now Active In Libya

Africom

Warzone/The Drive: Russian MiG-29 And Su-24 Combat Jets Caught In-Flight At Libyan Base In New Satellite Images

The images show that the jets that Russia sent to the North African country last month are increasingly active.

New imagery has caught MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-24 Fencers in the air at Al Jufrah Air Base in Libya. This, along with other details seen in the images, highlight the increasing activity at the base since Russia sent at least 14 combat jets, in total, to the North African country last month to support Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar. It also underscores that the jets themselves are now actively flying.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) released two new images of Al Jufrah, which it said were taken on June 18, 2020, one of which showed an Su-24 Fencer taking off from the base. The other one showed a MiG-29 parked in front of a hardened aircraft shelter, as well as P-18 Spoon Rest radar. The P-18 is a long-range surveillance radar that can be used for early warning and to provide general increased situational awareness and air traffic control.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. says there are approximately 2,000 Russian mercenaries in Libya .... US says 2,000 Russia-backed mercenaries are fighting in Libya (Middle East Monitor).

More News On Russian Fighter Jets Being Active In Libya

Russian fighter jet flights in Libya raise US concern -- The Hill
US says jets deployed by Russia in Libya in active use -- Al Jazeera
Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base -- Al-Monitor
Russian aircraft active in Libya, AFRICOM says -- Middle East Monitor
US reveals new evidence of Russian aircraft activity in Libya -- Middle East Eye
The US military isn't just worried about Russia's fighter jets in Libya but also who's flying them -- Business Insider

Libya War News Updates -- June 7, 2020

Al Jazeera: GNA vows to retake Libya's east after Sirte offensive

GNA-aligned forces launched offensive to seize Sirte from Haftar's LNA on Saturday.

Libya's internationally-recognised government has promised to retake the country's east after launching an offensive to capture the strategic city of Sirte from the eastern-based forces of renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.

On Saturday, forces allied with the Government of National Accord (GNA) launched the offensive to seize Sirte, a key gateway to the country's main oil fields in the east, from Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) forces which took the city in January.

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Libya War News Updates -- June 7, 2020

More than 16,000 Libyans displaced in recent battles: UN -- AFP
Libya: GNA says Sirte offensive launched as Haftar backs truce -- Al Jazeera
'Numerous' reports of looting in retaken Libyan towns, UN says -- Reuters
Exclusive: Russian hiring of Syrians to fight in Libya accelerated in May -- Reuters
Egyptian president announces plan for ceasefire in Libya -- The Guardian
Egypt offers new Libya plan as Haftar offensive collapses -- Middle East Monitor
Libya: Mapping the areas of military control -- Al Jazeera

Libyan Pro-Government Forces Have Seized The Last Western Stronghold Of Khalifa Haftar

Reuters: West Libya forces seize last LNA stronghold near capital

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognised government captured the last major stronghold of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar near Tripoli on Friday, capping the sudden collapse of his 14-month offensive on the capital.

Military sources in Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) said their forces had withdrawn from the town of Tarhouna, heading towards Sirte, far along the coast, and the airbase of al-Jufra in central Libya. The LNA made no immediate official comment.

The advance extends the control of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and allied forces across most of northwest Libya, reversing many of Haftar’s gains from last year when he raced towards Tripoli.

The GNA has been backed by Turkey, while Haftar, whose LNA still controls the east and oil fields in the south, has been supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

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More News On The Libyan War

Libya's GNA regains last remaining Haftar stronghold near capital -- Middle East Eye
Libyan army retakes Tarhuna in one-hour operation -- Libya Observer
Libya: Pro-government forces claim victory in siege of Tripoli -- DW
Libyan pro-government forces seize last western stronghold of eastern warlord -- Washington Post
Libyan government forces seize Haftar stronghold Tarhuna -- Al Jazeera
Libya govt seizes last major stronghold of eastern forces near Tripoli – reports -- RT
Libyans celebrate liberation of Tripoli from Haftar -- Middle East Monitor

Libya’s Government of National Accord Says It Has Regained Full Control Of The capital, Tripoli

The Guardian: UN-backed Libyan forces oust renegade general from Tripoli

Khalifa Haftar’s forces driven out after their 14-month siege of the south of the city

A 14 month-siege of Libya’s capital Tripoli by the renegade general Khalifa Haftar ended in failure on Thursday when his forces retreated from the south of the city toward his heartlands in the south and the east of the country.

The interior minister of the UN-recognised government of national accord (GNA), Fathi Bashagha, hailed “the beginning of the end of the entire dictatorship project”, and urged cities under Haftar’s control to rise up against him and spare themselves further conflict.

The extent of Haftar’s retreat may depend on the point at which newly arrived Russian fighter jets intervene to shore up his lines of defence.

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WNU Editor: Libya’s Government of National Accord may have won this battle, but this war is far from over.

More News On The Libyan War

Libya conflict: GNA regains full control of Tripoli from Gen Haftar -- BBC
Libya unity govt forces reseize Tripoli airport in blow to Haftar -- AFP
Eastern forces quit Libyan capital after year-long assault -- Reuters
Libya's government retakes Tripoli airport ahead of possible truce talks -- Reuters
Libya's GNA says it regained full control of the capital, Tripoli -- Al Jazeera
Turkey vows more support to secure gains in Libya conflict -- Reuters
Senior Libyan official arrives in Moscow for talks: RIA -- Reuters
Libya: Haftar visits Egypt hours before rival government recaptures Tripoli airport -- Middle East Monitor

Pentagon Says Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s And Su-24s To Libya

They are flown by Russian military members & escorted by Russian fighters based in Syria to Libya, landing in Eastern Libya near Tobruk for fuel. At least 14 newly unmarked Russian aircraft are then delivered to Al Jufra Air Base in Libya. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/bB9g66pVUc

— US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) May 27, 2020

Warzone/The Drive: Russia Now Has At Least 14 Combat Jets In Libya As Satellite Images Reveal New Details

It's now clear that the Kremlin has launched a major airpower intervention into the country.

The U.S. military's top command for operations in Africa says that Russia has sent at least 14 combat jets to Libya and that Russian military pilots are flying them. It has also released additional satellite imagery shot last week showing two MiG-29 Fulcrums at Al Jufrah Air Base in the center of that country. This comes a day after it first revealed evidence that the Kremlin had sent the aircraft to bolster forces fighting on behalf of strongman Khalifa Haftar against Libya's U.N.-recognized government.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Tweeted out the new imagery and information on May 27, 2020. The satellite images are dated May 20, a day before the first reports began to emerge that Russian MiG-29s, as well as Su-24 Fencers, had touched down in Libya.

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WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. The war in Libya is about to escalate significantly.

More News On Reports That Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s And Su-24s To Libya

U.S. Africa Command Releases Additional Images, Details About The “At Least” 14 Russian Jets Deployed To Libya -- The Aviationist
U.S. Military Says Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s and Su-24s to Libya -- New York Times
Russian 'camouflaged' fighter jets deployed to Libya to back rebel airstrikes on capital: US military -- FOX News
Russia delivers fighter jets to Libya over Syria: US -- Anadolu Agency
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Sending Jets To Libya To Support Mercenaries -- RFE
What Is Russia Doing in Libya? Pentagon Warns of Escalation As Putin Sends Fighter Jets -- Newsweek

Mercenaries Are Playing A Huge Role In The Libyan War

New York Times: By Air and Sea, Mercenaries Landed in Libya. Then the Plan Went South.

A short-lived mission uncovered by U.N. investigators offers a glimpse into the world of those who have thrived off Libya’s chaos.

CAIRO — Two former British marines piloted their boats, a pair of military-grade inflatables, across the Mediterranean from Malta. Six helicopters were flown in from Botswana using falsified papers. The rest of the team — soldiers of fortune from South Africa, Britain, Australia and the United States — arrived from a staging area in Jordan.

To anyone who asked, the mercenaries who slipped into the war-pocked port of Benghazi, Libya, last summer said they had come to guard oil and gas facilities.

In fact, United Nations investigators later determined, their mission was to fight alongside the Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter in his all-out assault on the capital, Tripoli, for which they were to be paid $80 million.

It quickly went wrong. A dispute erupted with Mr. Hifter, a notoriously mercurial leader, over the quality of the aircraft. On July 2, after just four days in Libya, the mercenaries scrambled for their speedboats and roared out to sea, headed for the safety of Malta.

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More News On Russian Mercenaries Fleeing Western Libya

Hundreds more Russian mercenaries flee western Libya: GNA forces -- Al Jazeera
Libya's Haftar Seeks to Rouse Forces Against Turkey -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Russians evacuated from western Libya after Haftar retreats from Turkish forces -- Middle East Monitor
Tripoli campaign to continue despite losses: Libya's Haftar -- Ahram Online/AP

Libya's Tripoli Forces Take Key Airbase From Rebel General Khalifa Haftar

The Guardian: UN-backed Libyan forces take key airbase from rebel general

Loss of al-Watiya airbase south of Tripoli deals major blow to renegade general Khalifa Haftar

Forces allied with Libya’s UN-supported government have wrested control of a key military base on the outskirts of the country’s capital from Khalifa Haftar, dealing a significant blow to the renegade general’s military and its morale.

Pro- and anti-Haftar media reported that his eastern-based forces had withdrawn from al-Watiya airbase 90 miles south of Tripoli. Footage posted on social media appeared to show Government of National Accord (GNA) forces driving down runways at the base unhindered.

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More News On Libya's Tripoli Forces Taking A Key Airbase From Rebel General Khalifa Haftar

Libyan forces aligned with Tripoli government capture key air base -- Reuters
Official: Libya's Tripoli forces take key base from rivals -- AP
Libya unity govt seizes airbase in new blow for rival Haftar -- AFP
U.N.-backed Libyan government seizes key air base, dealing blow to renegade commander -- Washington Post
Libya's GNA recaptures strategic al-Watiya airbase -- Al Jazeera
Libya's GNA captures key air base in major advance against Haftar -- Middle East Eye

Turkey Warns Libyan Strongman Haftar That It Will Target His Forces

A destroyed tank belonging to the eastern forces led by Khalifa Haftar in Gharyan, south of Tripoli, Libya.

DW: Turkey warns Libya's Haftar of military escalation

The Turkish government said it would consider forces loyal to general Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if they didn't stop attacks on diplomatic missions. The UN has warned that Haftar's may have committed war crimes.

The Turkish government on Sunday warned Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar against attacking diplomatic missions after positions near Turkish and Italian missions were hit earlier this week.

"If our missions and our interests in Libya are targeted, we will deem Hafar's forces legitimate targets," said a statement from Turkey's foreign ministry. "It is unacceptable for the United Nations to remain silent against this carnage any longer."

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More News On the Libyan War

Turkey threatens to target Haftar's forces in Libya if attacks persist -- Reuters
Turkey Will Deem LNA Forces ‘Legitimate Targets’ if Attacks Against Its Interests Continue -- Sputnik
Turkey warns Haftar as rockets rain on Tripoli, kill four and damage airport -- Middle East Eye
Massive bombardment hits Tripoli as water supplies threatened -- Reuters
Libya's GNA launches counterattack after deadly rocket barrage -- Al Jazeera
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Inflaming Libya Conflict, Sending Syrian Fighters -- RFE

UN Report: 1,200 Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting In Libya

Haftar's forces launched a war a year ago to seize Tripoli and other parts of northwest Libya [File: Esam Omran al-Fetori/Reuters]

BBC: Wagner, shadowy Russian military group, 'fighting in Libya'

Hundreds of mercenaries from Russia's shadowy Wagner Group are operating in Libya, a leaked UN report says.

They have been supporting renegade general Khalifa Haftar's battle against the Tripoli-based government, it says.

Since 2014, Libya has been split between areas controlled by the sides.

Wagner is believed to have been involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. The Russian government denies any state involvement in the militant group.

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More News On A UN Report That Claims 1,200 Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting In Libya

UN experts: Libya's Hifter got fighters from Russian company -- AP
Russian mercenaries are fighting in Libya, UN diplomats say -- France 24
Up to 1,200 deployed in Libya by Russian military group: U.N. report -- Reuters
UN Monitors Say Mercenaries From Russia's Vagner Group Fighting In Libya -- RFE
Russian group's 1,200 mercenaries fighting in Libya: UN report -- Al Jazeera
Russia to send Assad regime forces to fight for Haftar -- Middle East Monitor
U.S. says Russia is working with Syria's Assad to move militia to Libya -- Reuters

Libya War News Updates -- April 27, 2020

Al Jazeera: Turkey's military helps turn the tide in Libyan civil war

Despite air superiority for nearly a year, Khalifa Haftar's forces have been halted in Tripoli and are now in retreat.

Misrata, Libya - It has been more than a year since renegade general Khalifa Haftar launched his military campaign to capture the capital Tripoli. Now the commander is scrambling to maintain control of his eastern stronghold.

The dramatic turn of events can be attributed to one major development: support from Turkey's military, particularly its drone force that has successfully pushed back Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) from Libya's skies.

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Libya War News Updates -- April 27, 2020

Turkish military intervention shifting the balance of power in Libya -- Ahval
Libya's eastern leader Haftar says army to take formal control -- Reuters
In Libya, UAE enlisting more Sudanese mercenaries to help Haftar -- Digital Journal
Libya: Haftar forces continue shelling Libyan civilians -- Middle East Monitor
Haftar’s Army Accuses GNA of Shelling Civilians Outside Tripoli as EU Renews Call for Ceasefire -- Sputnik
Russia urges mediators to push Libyan sides to talks -- Middle East Monitor
Russia will continue aiding Libyan crisis regulation — foreign minister -- TASS
European Union calls for Libya truce, resumption of peace talks -- Al Jazeera
In Addition to Russia, France and the UAE Are Prolonging the Libyan Civil War -- Foreign Policy
Libya is Sliding Toward Partition -- Bloomberg
Libya starts 14-day quarantine process and testing of citizens stranded abroad prior to repatriation -- Libya Herald

CIA And MI6 Helped Gaddafi

Secret Libyan Files Claim MI6 And The CIA Aided Human Rights Violations -- The Guardian

Intelligence helped Gaddafi regime track and apprehend dissidents, according to files seized from Tripoli offices.

British and US intelligence agencies built up close links with Muammar Gaddafi and handed over detailed information to assist his regime, according to secret files found in Libyan government offices.

The documents claim that MI6 supplied its counterparts in Libya with details on exiled opponents living in the UK, and chart how the CIA abducted several suspected militants before handing them over to Tripoli.

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More News On MI6 And The CIA Aiding Gaddafi

CIA, MI6 'helped' Gadafy -- Irish Times
Files show MI6, CIA ties to Libya: reports -- Sydney Morning Herald
Libya: secret dossier reveals Gaddafi's UK spy links -- The Telegraph
Libya: Gaddafi regime's US-UK spy links revealed -- BBC
Documents shed light on CIA, Gadhafi spy ties -- CNN
Gaddafi Had Close Ties With US-UK Intelligence Agencies: HRW -- IBTimes
Documents: CIA, MI6 worked with Libya -- UPI
CIA, MI6 helped Gaddafi on dissidents: rights group -- Reuters
Documents reveal Western spy agencies' ties to Libyan regime of Muammar Gaddafi -- The Australian/AP
Libyan intel docs show ties to CIA renditions -- CBS
Files Note Close C.I.A. Ties to Qaddafi Spy Unit -- New York Times
Tripoli Files Show CIA Working With Libya -- Wall Street Journal
MI6 and British Government worked closely with Gaddafi's regime (and even helped him write his speeches) -- Daily Mail
Eighty-Nine Questions: What Did Libya Do for the C.I.A.? -- Amy Davidson, New Yorker

How NOT To Fire A Machine Gun In Close Combat

My Comment: Now I know why the rebels are running short of ammo and other military supplies .... talk about spray and pray. Fortunately for the rebels they have NATO in the skies, and Gaddafi's military is probably just as bad when it comes to firing their machine guns in close combat.