By Published on 20-12-2019Changed on 20-12-2019 at 23:48

Reactions are multiplying following the request, this Thursday, December 19, of the Government of Libyan National Union (GNA), supported by the international community: the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed on November 27 with Turkey. This request paves the way for more direct Turkish intervention in Libya. Ankara is already supporting the GNA against the rival forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who has been carrying out an offensive against Tripoli since last April. In the past few hours, the fighting on the ground has intensified.

Since the announcement on December 12 of the start of the "decisive battle" in Tripoli, Khalifa Haftar's forces have been advancing in the capital. An ultimatum was given to the militias of Misrata, loyal to the government of national unity (GNA). They must leave Tripoli before Sunday evening.

But the two opposing camps continue to send reinforcements there. Faced with this situation, Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of the GNA, addressed this Friday December 20 a request for support to the officials of five “friendly” countries, he writes, with whom he has signed security agreements: Turkey, Algeria, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom. " We know that these countries will do nothing, but they will not be able to reproach us for an intervention by Ankara, " said a relative of Fayez al-Sarraj.

Turkish President ready to send troops to Libya

Ankara supports militias loyal to the GNA with deliveries of arms and ammunition . But the Turkish president said he was recently ready to send the troops. A statement that annoys the supporters of Khalifa Haftar: " We do not allow anyone to control Libya, it is a matter of our security ", has already repeated several times, Sissi, the Egyptian president.

Moscow expresses "its deep concern". As for the UN, it regrets the growing foreign interference in Libya and calls for a return to the political process.

    On the same subject

    Turkey-Libya military agreement: Erdogan receives Sarraj in camera

    Libya: Marshal Haftar announces a "broad and total assault" on Tripoli

    US delegation meets Haftar camp in Libya

    Libya: Haftar's aviation bombed Zouara airport

    Libya: temporary truce accepted by pro-Haftar forces and the GNA

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