Escalation in the civil war country: Turkey wants to send troops to Libya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to get parliamentary permission to send troops to Libya in early January. There his ruling party AKP has a majority together with the coalition partner MHP.

"Based on the security and military cooperation memorandum, once Parliament opens it, the first thing we will do is to submit a resolution on the deployment of soldiers," Erdogan said during a speech to provincial leaders. The vote could take place on January 8 or 9. This will provide much more effective support for the legitimate leadership in Libya that "invited" Turkey.

A civil war has raged in Libya since the overthrow of long-term ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011. The UN recognized government of Fajis al-Sarradsch and the powerful General Chalifa Haftar compete for power. Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) has been trying to capture the capital, Tripoli, since April. Ankara supports Al-Sarradsch. The Haftars side includes Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Russia should also support the general in the war.

Turkey can send military instructors and weapons

At first it was not clear what kind of troops Erdogan wanted to send. Turkey and the unitary government in Libya had previously concluded a comprehensive security and military cooperation agreement. This allows Turkey to send military trainers and advisers, according to a report by the state news agency Anadolu.

more on the subject

Turkey in Libya Erdogan's next war

Ankara also has permission for joint military exercises and may send weapons and military vehicles to Libya on request, it said. Turkey has also undertaken to help build a protection force to take on police and military tasks. To send combat troops, Erdogan's government requires separate parliamentary approval.