Russian diplomats 'confirm Turkey sent Syrian rebels to Libya'

Russian diplomats have told Deutsche Welle that Turkey sent Syrian rebels to Libya as part of a deal reached between Ankara and the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli. Turkey and Russia are on the opposing sides in the Libyan conflict, with Moscow backing Haftar, whose forces hold much of the country’s east and south including its second city Benghazi.

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Russian diplomats reportedly confirmed that Turkey sent Syrian rebels to Libya, as Ankara said that Turkish troops are set to be deployed to the war-torn country gradually.

Following increasing reports and statements from international watchdogs on Free Syrian Army (FSA) militant presence in Libya, Russian diplomats confirmed to Deutsche Welle's Turkish service that Syrian rebels were indeed sent to the country.

The diplomats pointed to the fact that discussions between Moscow and Ankara on the issue are ongoing, DW also reported.

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Turkey's parliament on Jan. 2 approved a bill on sending Turkish troops to Libya to support the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj after it received a request for military support from Sarraj’s government.

The GNA has been struggling to fend off an offensive by Khalifa Haftar-led Libyan National Army (LNA) on Tripoli for months.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said last week that Turkish troops won't be involved in any close combat, but will train local forces in the country.

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Turkey and Russia are on the opposing sides in the Libyan conflict, with Moscow backing Haftar, whose forces hold much of the country’s east and south including its second city Benghazi.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry and the GNA denied any FSA elements were sent to Libya.

If true, this wouldn't be the first time that Turkish troops cooperate with Syrian rebels on the ground.

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Most recently, Turkey on Oct. 9, 2018 launched an offensive in northern Syria with the rebels it backs to clear its border from militants of the People's Protection Units (YPG).