Al Sharq Strategic ResearchTHE LIBYAN CRISIS
Haftar’s forces intercept a Turkish ship, and Ankara warns of targeting its interests in Libya
The Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, the opponent of the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, which is backed by Ankara, announced on Monday evening that it had intercepted a Turkish ship flying the Jamaican flag. While Turkey strongly condemned this action, warning against targeting its interests in Libya.
The “Libyan National Army” said that the merchant ship called Mabrouka had entered a “military operations area” at Ras Al-Hilal. From there, it was withdrawn to the port, and an investigation began. Its crew includes 17 people, including nine Turkish sailors.
On Tuesday, Turkey denounced the interception of its ships by Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya and called for its crew members’ release, warning of “serious consequences” if its interests there were targeted.