The Turkish-backed forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) are still working hard to seize Al-Watiya airbase in western Libya from the Libyan National Army (LNA) by launching a violent attack against it.
Turkish-backed forces continue to attack Al-Watiya airbase, despite their failed attempts and the loss of a large number of their fighters and equipment.
GNA spokesman Mohammed Qanunu said that the air force of the GNA forces carried out six airstrikes with Turkish help on Friday, in and around the Al-Watiya airbase, by targeting military vehicles of the LNA.
The 134th Infantry Battalion, charged by the LNA to protect and secure the Al-Watiya airbase, announced that three soldiers were killed on Friday during the shelling.
On Tuesday, the LNA had thwarted an attack by GNA forces to capture the same airbase.
LNA spokesman Ahmed Al-Mismari described the LNA’s repelling of the GNA attack on the Al-Watiya airbase as a “historic battle”.
Misleading reports were circulated on local media claiming that forces loyal to the GNA had taken control of the Al-Watiya airbase after an operation that began at dawn on Tuesday. However, the claims proved to be false.
Libya Review’s sources have confirmed that 23 GNA fighters died after clashes with the LNA.
This comes just a few hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that forces loyal to the GNA were making significant territorial advances in western Libya.
