According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (AKP), Turkey will likely send troops to Libya next month at the request of Tripoli.
In Libya, two rival governments are fighting for power. The government in Tripoli is led by Fayez al-Serraj and is supported by the United Nations and much of the West. The government in Tobruk is affiliated with General Khalifa Haftar and is backed by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan.
In recent months, Haftar, with the support of Russian mercenaries, has captured large parts of the country. His troops are currently fighting in the suburbs of Tripoli.
Last month, Ankara signed two separate agreements with the government in Tripoli: one on security and military cooperation, and another agreement on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. The latter agreement angered other countries in the region, such as Greece and Egypt.
“Because there is now an invitation, we will accept it. We will put the bill to send troops to Libya on the agenda as soon as parliament opens,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (AKP). The vote could take place on January 8 or 9. According to Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha, there has not yet been an official request to send Turkish troops.
Ankara has been considering a military intervention in Libya for some time. Nevertheless, that would be a risky move, as the Turkish military is already involved in the war in Syria. Last week, Erdogan visited Tunisia to discuss a ceasefire for Libya.
Russia is concerned about the deployment of Turkish troops in Libya. Erdogan, in turn, accuses Moscow of supplying mercenaries to Haftar.