This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On June 29, 2019, Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar vowed to attack Turkish interests in Libya after his forces suffered a significant defeat in the strategic town of Gharyan, a key supply base for their months-long offensive to take the capital Tripoli.
Setback in Gharyan ¶
Anti-Haftar forces supporting Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) announced on June 26 that they had retaken Gharyan in a surprise attack, seizing the main supply base for Haftar's forces. Dozens of pro-Haftar fighters were killed in the clashes, and at least 18 were taken prisoner, according to a GNA spokesman.
Haftar accused militias backing the GNA of executing his wounded troops at the town's hospital, allegations refuted by both the GNA and authorities in Gharyan. Haftar's forces left behind their wounded, a command post, arms, ammunition, and even food burning on stoves, according to AFP correspondents who toured Gharyan.
Retaliation Against Turkey ¶
In retaliation for the setback, Haftar ordered his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) to target Turkish ships and companies, ban flights, and arrest Turkish nationals in the country. General Ahmed al-Mesmari, Haftar's spokesman, accused Ankara of directly intervening in the battle with its soldiers, planes, and ships.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed his country's support for the GNA, saying Ankara was providing weapons to Tripoli under a military cooperation agreement. Erdogan stated that the Turkish backing had allowed Tripoli to rebalance the fight against Haftar.
International Involvement ¶
The conflict in Libya has drawn in international powers, with Haftar backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, and the GNA supported by Turkey and Qatar. A UN arms embargo on Libya has been in place since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew Moamer Kadhafi's regime.
Since the fall of Gharyan, Haftar's forces have carried out several air raids on Tripoli as GNA fighters push to keep up pressure on the LNA. The conflict continues to escalate, with Haftar's forces vowing to target Turkish interests in Libya.
