Six Turkish sailors, detained by East Libya-based commander Khalifa Haftar forces in Libya, released, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources Monday

ANKARA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - APP - 1st Jul, 2019 ) :Six Turkish sailors, detained by East Libya-based commander Khalifa Haftar forces in Libya, released, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources Monday.

Turkish citizens returned to the ship and continue to work at their own will, said the sources.

On Friday, Haftar's spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari announced a ban on commercial flights from Libya to Turkey and ordered his forces to attack Turkish ships and interests in the country.

Upon Libya move, the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli on its website advised Sunday its citizens to avoid any steps that will jeopardize their security and safety in the regions under control of the illegal militia loyal to Haftar.

Also, Turkish Foreign Ministry urged Haftar illegal militia to release Turkish citizens they detained in Libya, adding that Haftar elements would become legitimate target otherwise.

Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011 when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and death of long-serving President Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades in power.

Since then, Libya's stark political divisions have yielded two rival seats of power -- one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli -- and a host of heavily armed militia groups. </s> Six Turkish sailors held by forces led by Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar have been freed, a Turkish foreign ministry official said on Monday.

"The sailors are free. According to their wishes, they continue to work," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The ministry did not give details about when the six were first held.

Haftar last week ordered his forces to target Turkish companies and arrest Turkish nationals after he lost a key town to forces backing Libya's internationally recognised government, also supported by Ankara.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month confirmed that his country provides weapons to the Government of National Accord (GNA) under a "military cooperation agreement".

Haftar's forces, which hold much of eastern and southern Libya, launched an offensive in early April to seize the capital from the government.

On Sunday, his forces said they destroyed a Turkish Bayraktar drone in a strike on an airport in Tripoli.

Turkey's defence minister had earlier on Sunday warned Ankara would retaliate against any attacks.

Libya has been mired in chaos after multiple militias were locked in a power struggle following a NATO-backed uprising ended with dictator Moamer Kadhafi's death in 2011.

Turkey's interest in Libya relates to its Ottoman past as the country was part of the empire until 1912 when the north African country was conquered by Italy.

Libya has become a key battleground in a regional struggle between backers and opponents of Islamists including the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Erdogan's ruling party is affiliated. Haftar has the support of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. </s> This article is more than 2 months old

This article is more than 2 months old

Six Turkish sailors detained in Libya by Khalifa Haftar’s forces have been released, Turkey’s foreign ministry has said, a day after Turkey warned his Libyan National Army (LNA) militia would become a “legitimate target” unless the men were released immediately.

The six men appear to have been captured by the LNA as a reprisal for Haftar losing control of a key town that has set back his efforts to capture Libya’s capital, Tripoli, from the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Turkey backs the GNA and has been accused by Haftar of supplying weaponry to the GNA in breach of a UN arms embargo, as well as operating drone strikes on his forces from the GNA military command headquarters.

Haftar has also ordered that in his strongholds in the east of the country all Turkish nationals should be arrested and all restaurants and shops with Turkish names or products be closed. The six men were arrested as part of Haftar’s anti-Turkish drive, and it is not clear if their release signalled that Haftar recognised he had overstepped the mark.

The Turkish foreign ministry spokesman said the six men wanted to continue working rather than return to Turkey. The state-owned news agency Anadolu said they were sailors but Turkey’s defence ministry had denied reports that the detainees included military personnel.

The forces loyal to Haftar also said they destroyed a Turkish drone parked at Tripoli’s only working airport on Sunday and declared a “general mobilisation” as tensions between Ankara and the eastern administration mounted.

In a surprise attack last week that caught Haftar’s forces off guard, the GNA captured the town of Gharyan, breaking the military stalemate that has prevailed since Haftar moved to capture Tripoli on 4 April.

Haftar expected to enter the city within days but has found himself bogged down in fighting that has begun to lose him much-needed diplomatic support.

On Friday, Haftar’s spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari announced a ban on commercial flights from Libya to Turkey and ordered his forces to attack Turkish ships and interests in Libya.

Haftar’s air force commander, Mohamed Manfour, stepped up warnings on Sunday by telling Tripoli residents to stay away from any site that may be hit by airstrikes.

Manfour said: “After exhausting all the traditional means in the battle for liberating the rest of Libya and after the recent deception and treachery, the LNA’s air force started to carry out strong and decisive airstrikes on select locations.

“We call upon all our people in Tripoli to immediately move away from the military sites, the positions of militias and terrorists, for their safety that is our priority as well as our beloved united and free Libya.”

Intensified strikes on Sunday night hit the outskirts of Tripoli, including in the area surrounding the city’s non-functioning international airport, Yarmouk camp and Ain Zara district.

Haftar himself has been supplied with weapons by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The extent of Haftar’s dependence on the UAE for weaponry was underlined when UAE-marked weapons left by fleeing LNA fighters were displayed in Gharyan at the weekend. </s> Six Turkish citizens detained in Libya by forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar have been released, according to the Turkish foreign ministry.

The announcement came on Monday, a day after Turkey threatened the eastern Libyan militia with military retaliation, saying they faced becoming a "legitimate target".

Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul said the men, who were released at the Sidr airport in Ajdabiya city, west of Benghazi, worked on a ship owned by a Libyan citizen.

"The sailors will not be coming back to Turkey, they will continue working over there. So everything seems to be alright. Also defence ministry sources underlined that there were no military persons among those six people, contradicting pro-Haftar media," she said.

"There was backdoor diplomacy going on with Turkey through local tribal leaders. Ankara made sure that Haftar's side was given 72 hours to release the Turkish citizens. There have also been three security meetings in Ankara since this incident happened. Turkey was preparing for any scenario," she added.

Al Jazeera's Mahmoud Abdelwahed, reporting from Tripoli, said the tough talk seemed to have worked well.

"The spokesman of Haftar's forces, Colonel Ahmed Masmari, earlier said they were detaining all Turkish nationals in Libya. But last night (Sunday), he retreated saying he does not have any knowledge of the detention of the Turkish nationals," he said.

"Today, we are getting information from the security sources with Haftar in the city of Ajdabiya, west of Benghazi, confirming the release of the Turkish nationals," he added.

He also said Haftar's forces were accusing Turkey of providing air coverage for the rival military of the internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

"[The anti-Turkish sentiments have grown] especially after Haftar lost the strategic town of Gharyan, south of Tripoli, which is considered a major setback for his troops fighting the government forces in the west of the country."

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Force (LNA) launched a campaign on April 4 to try and seize the Libyan capital, but has been pushed back by the Tripoli government's forces.

Libya has had two rival governments over the last few years.

The United Nations-recognised administration led by Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj is based in the capital Tripoli.

Turkey, as well as most Western nations, support the Sarraj government, including Italy, which is worried that the fighting near Tripoli will force more migrants to cross the Mediterranean.

Ankara says it's involvement in Libya is aimed at promoting "regional peace and stability".

In the east, there is the Tobruk-based government, the centre of power for Haftar, who is backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

France is also accused of providing military support to his forces.

Haftar and his backers say they are trying to free Tripoli from militias that they accuse of destabilising Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Haftar's eastern administration cut all ties with Turkey on Friday, threatening to target Turkish interests in Libya, including airline flights and shipping.

Haftar's critics, including Turkey, accuse him of trying to seize power from the legitimate government through force and deepening a conflict between factions based in the east and west of the sprawling North African country. </s> ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey said on Sunday that six of its citizens were being held by eastern Libyan forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, and that the militia would become a “legitimate target” if they were not released immediately.

Turkey supports the internationally recognised government in Tripoli, which on Wednesday pushed back eastern forces that have been trying for three months to seize the Libyan capital.

Ankara has also supplied drones and trucks to forces allied to Tripoli’s Western-backed prime minister, Fayez al-Serraj, while Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) has received support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, according to diplomats.

“The detention of six of our citizens by illegal militia forces linked to Haftar is an action that amounts to banditry and piracy. We expect the immediate release of our citizens,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “If not, Haftar’s forces will become legitimate targets.”

On Friday, a spokesman for Haftar’s forces said they were banning commercial flights from Libya to Turkey and warned that any Turkish aircraft or ship attempting to land or dock in Tripoli would be treated as hostile. He also said the LNA would attack any Turkish military presence.

Earlier on Sunday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying any threats from Haftar’s forces would be punished severely, and that Turkey had taken measures to prevent attacks.

“As we contribute to establishing peace and stability in the region, any threatening stance or attacks will have a very heavy price, they will be reciprocated in the harshest and most effective way,” Akar was quoted as saying by state media.

Haftar and his backers say they are trying to free Tripoli from militias that they accuse of destabilising Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Haftar’s critics accuse him of trying to seize power through force and deepening a conflict between factions based in the east and west of the sprawling North African country.

Haftar’s offensive has upended United Nations-led plans to stabilise Libya after years of conflict that have left the oil producer divided and caused living standards to plummet.

The conflict risks disrupting oil production, creating a vacuum to be exploited by militants and prompting more migrants to head for Italy by boat. </s> Alwaght- Forces loyal to Libyan renegade General Khalifa Haftar claimed on Sunday they have downed a Turkish drone in Tripoli and arrested two Turkish nationals arrested after the two sides exchanged severe warnings.

The aircraft was targeted by Haftar's eastern Libyan air force at Tripoli’s Mitiga military airbase, Haftar's war information division said on Facebook on Sunday.

Air traffic was halted on Sunday at the Libyan capital's only functioning civilian airport, also at Mitiga, after what was described as an air strike.

Authorities in Eastern Libya also announced in a statement that they have arrested two Turkish nationals over what they called Ankara's support for "militias" in Libya.

This comes as Ankara says "six" Turkish nationals are being held in Libya by Haftar’s forces. Turkey has warned that there would be consequences if they are not immediately released.

"The detention of six of our citizens by illegal militia forces linked to Haftar is an act of thuggery and piracy. We expect our citizens to be immediately released," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Should this not happen, Haftar elements will become legitimate targets," it added.

But the ministry did not give any details on where the Turks were being held or when they had been taken by the forces.

Ankara had earlier threatened to retaliate against any attack by Haftar’s loyalists on its interests in the North African country.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar had warned of a very heavy price for such actions.

Haftar accuses Ankara of backing his rivals during the ongoing conflict in Libya. He has ordered his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) to target Turkish ships and companies, ban Turkish flights, and arrest Turkish nationals in Libya.

Turkey supports Libya’s internationally-recognized government in Tripoli, which has been under assault by Haftar’s forces trying to seize the capital for three months.

Turkey has supplied drones and trucks to the forces allied to UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, while the LNA has received support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, according to diplomats.

Libyan government forces recently dealt a major blow to the LNA by retaking the strategic town of Gharyan, a supply line for Haftar’s forces on the Tripoli front.

Haftar’s offensive has upended UN-led plans to stabilize Libya after years of conflict that have left the oil-rich nation divided and caused living standards to plummet.

Libya has been the scene of increasing violence since 2011, when former dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled from power after an uprising and a NATO military intervention. His ouster created a huge power vacuum, leading to chaos and the emergence of numerous militant outfits, including the Daesh terrorist group. </s> Turkey says the forces of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar will become a “legitimate target” if they do not immediately release six Turks.

The Turkish foreign ministry said the detention of its citizens amounted to “banditry and piracy”.

Gen Haftar’s forces said on Friday they would attack Turkish targets over Turkish support for the internationally recognised Libyan government.

They also claimed they had destroyed a Turkish drone at a Tripoli airbase.

Libya has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.

Gen Haftar started an offensive against the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in April.

Why are Haftar and Turkey in conflict?

Turkey supports the GNA, supplying drones, weapons and trucks to boost its efforts in the ongoing conflict with Gen Haftar’s forces, which control most of the east and south of Libya.

Gen Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) said it would strike Turkish vessels in Libyan waters and viewed Turkish businesses as targets.

It also banned commercial flights from Libya to Turkey.

Earlier on Sunday, Turkey said it would “retaliate in the most effective and strong way” to any threats from Gen Haftar’s army.

Turkish Defence Minister Huluski Akar warned that LNA forces would pay a “very heavy price” for any attacks on Turkish interests.

Turkey says it wants to rebalance the fight against Gen Haftar, who has backing from the UAE and Egypt.

On Thursday, the GNA reclaimed the strategic town of Gharyan, a main supply base for Gen Haftar’s forces in their offensive on Tripoli.

Why is there fighting in Libya?

Col Gaddafi ruled Libya for four decades until an armed rebellion toppled him in 2011.

Since then, no authority has had full control and the country is extremely unstable.

Several political and military factions are at play but two are key – Mr Sarraj and Gen Haftar.

Khalifa Haftar has been active in Libyan politics for more than four decades and was one of Gadaffi’s close allies until a dispute in the late 1980s forced him to live in exile in the US.

Gen Haftar returned to Libya when the uprising began in 2011 and became a key commander of a rebel force in the east.

Libyans have mixed feelings towards him due to his past association with Gadaffi and US connections, but do credit him for driving Islamist militants out of much of Benghazi and its surroundings.

Gen Haftar’s forces have won some support from France, Egypt and the UAE. In April, US President Donald Trump seemed to be showing support for Gen Haftar, but his enthusiasm has since cooled. BBC News </s> Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army forces said they destroyed a Turkish drone parked at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport on Sunday and declared a “general mobilization” as tensions between Ankara and the eastern administration mounted.

 

 Haftar’s forces said they hit the drone in an air strike on Mitiga airport, part of a series of measures meant to punish Turkey for its active involvement in battles. The airport closed after the strike but later reopened, according to its website.

 

 They also said they had arrested two Turks in the northeastern oil town of Ajdabiya.

 

 Later Aguila Saleh, head of the eastern-based House of Representatives allied to Haftar, declared a general mobilization, a spokesman said. No more details were immediately available.

 

 Turkey’s foreign minister earlier accused Haftar’s supporters of arresting six of its citizens, and warned that the eastern forces would become a “legitimate target” if the Turks were not released immediately.

 

 Haftar’s Libyan National Force (LNA) launched a campaign on April 4 to try seize the Libyan capital - but has been pushed back by the Tripoli government’s forces which are supported by Turkey.

 

 Haftar and his backers say they are trying to free Tripoli from militias that they accuse of destabilizing Libya since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

 

 Haftar’s administration cut all ties with Turkey on Friday, banning its flights and ships from eastern Libya.

 

 It upped those measures on Sunday by declaring Turkish firms, imports and even symbols illegal.

 

 Ankara has supplied drones and trucks to forces allied to Tripoli’s Western-backed prime minister, Fayez al-Serraj.

 

 The conflict risks disrupting oil production, creating a vacuum to be exploited by militants and prompting more migrants to head for Italy by boat. </s> TRIPOLI/ANKARA (Reuters) - Eastern Libyan forces loyal commander Khalifa Haftar said they destroyed a Turkish drone parked at Tripoli’s only working airport on Sunday and declared a “general mobilisation” as tensions between Ankara and the eastern administration mounted.

Haftar’s forces said they hit the drone in an air strike on Mitiga airport, part of a series of measures meant to punish Turkey for its support of the rival, internationally recognised Libyan government in Tripoli. The airport closed after the strike but later reopened, according to its website.

They also said they had arrested two Turks in the northeastern oil town of Ajdabiya.

Later Aguila Saleh, head of the eastern-based House of Representatives allied to Haftar, declared a general mobilisation, a spokesman said. No more details were immediately available.

Turkey’s foreign minister earlier accused Haftar’s supporters of arresting six of its citizens, and warned that the eastern forces would become a “legitimate target” if the Turks were not released immediately.

Haftar’s Libyan National Force (LNA) launched a campaign on April 4 to try seize the Libyan capital - but has been pushed back by the Tripoli government’s forces which are supported by Turkey.

Haftar and his backers say they are trying to free Tripoli from militias that they accuse of destabilising Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Haftar’s critics including Turkey accuse him of trying to seize power from the legitimate government through force and deepening a conflict between factions based in the east and west of the sprawling North African country.

Haftar’s administration cut all ties with Turkey on Friday, banning its flights and ships from eastern Libya.

It upped those measures on Sunday by declaring Turkish firms, imports and even symbols illegal.

Ankara has supplied drones and trucks to forces allied to Tripoli’s Western-backed prime minister, Fayez al-Serraj, while Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) has received support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, according to diplomats.

Haftar’s offensive has upended United Nations-led plans to stabilise Libya after years of conflict that have left the oil producer divided and caused living standards to plummet.

The conflict risks disrupting oil production, creating a vacuum to be exploited by militants and prompting more migrants to head for Italy by boat.
After political pressure from Turkey, six Turkish sailors are released from detention by the Libyan National Army under general Khalifa Haftar.