Turkey in talks with Libyan govt to use Misrata, al-Watiya military bases
Vehicles of forces loyal to Libya's U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) are seen outside a checkpoint at al-Watiya airbase, which they seized control of, southwest of the capital Tripoli, May 18, 2020. (AFP Photo)


Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government are discussing possible Turkish use of two military bases in the North African country, a Turkish source said on Monday.

No final decisions have been made over possible Turkish military use of the Misrata naval base and the al-Watiya air base, which were recently recaptured by the Turkey-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

The GNA has driven back putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) – backed by Russia, France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates – in recent weeks and recaptured several positions.

Last week, Turkey said it could expand its cooperation in Libya with new energy and construction deals once the conflict ends.

"Turkey using al-Watiya ... is on the agenda," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"It could also be possible for the Misrata naval base to be used by Turkey."