A convoy vehicle was seen after the reopening of the Mitiga airport in Tripoli, Libya, on October 29, 2019.
Turkey Accused of Building Secret Military Base in Libya, Bolstering GNA Presence.
Tripoli, Libya - Turkey has been accused of constructing a covert military base at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, according to an anonymous source who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. This development coincides with reports of increased Turkish military involvement in Libya, including the alleged deployment of mercenaries and the delivery of military equipment, raising concerns about a potential violation of international agreements and a threat to the fragile ceasefire in the region.
Claims of Secret Base and Increased Support for GNA
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that Turkish military and intelligence officials are present at the alleged base in Mitiga, currently the only operational airport in western Libya. This claim comes amidst reports of Turkey seeking additional mercenaries from Kenya and Somalia to support the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). Additionally, Turkish officers are said to be assisting the operations command center affiliated with GNA-loyal militias.
Alleged Turkish Military Shipment and French Observation
Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Ahmed al-Mismari released video footage claiming to depict a Turkish vessel unloading modern weaponry and military equipment at Tripoli port on Tuesday night. Mismari condemned the act as a Turkish "invasion" that violates international laws, norms, and the ceasefire agreement. He further provided photographs of the alleged military shipment.
Furthermore, a French military source reported that the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier observed a Turkish frigate escorting a cargo ship delivering armored vehicles to Tripoli, allegedly in defiance of a UN embargo. The cargo ship, identified as "Bana," docked in Tripoli on Wednesday.
These claims follow accusations by French President Emmanuel Macron towards his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alleging a breach of promises to cease meddling in Libya. Macron specifically cited observations of Turkish ships transporting pro-Ankara Syrian mercenaries to the country.
UN Envoy Seeks LNA Cooperation in Fragile Truce
Meanwhile, Ghassan Salame, the UN envoy to Libya, is scheduled to meet with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Haftar to nominate representatives to the ten-member committee tasked with overseeing the fragile ceasefire in Libya. Established during a conference in Berlin last month, the committee is expected to hold its first meeting in Geneva on Tuesday. Still, Haftar's delay in appointing his delegates has created uncertainty.
The situation in Libya remains tense, with concerns mounting over Turkey's alleged military activities and their potential impact on the fragile peace process. The UN-led efforts to establish a ceasefire committee and encourage dialogue between the warring parties remain crucial in achieving a lasting resolution.
Author: Emre Sariyel
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