An unidentified military force has declared a popular uprising against what they describe as the “Turkish occupation of Libya.”
In a statement, the group claimed that Turkey has “overreached in its control over key Libyan sites, including Al-Watiya Airbase, Sidi Bilal Port, and more recently, the vital Khoms Port, a major Libyan hub for importing goods and commodities.”
They highlighted that this uprising coincides with the silence of what they termed the “illegitimate Dbaiba family government” – situated in Tripoli.
The force further articulated that Turkish bases and camps in Libya are “nothing short of the initial steps towards colonization, and an attempt to drag Libya back into a bygone era, exploiting its glory at the expense of Libyan dignity and honour. We declare a popular uprising against the Turkish occupation in Libya, so that the occupier knows the Libyan people will not accept another occupation, exploiting its resources, robbing the nation’s wealth, and determining its destiny. We announce that all sites and locations occupied by the Turks are legitimate targets for the heroes of the uprising.”
The Turkish Ministry of Defence has reportedly entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the Al-Khums port. It is strategically located between Tripoli and Misrata.
This was first unveiled by a tweet from an account named “Turkish Defense and Defense Industries.” The message underscored that the Turkish naval and ground forces would be the primary beneficiaries of this lease.
Contrary to some speculation, the arrangement is explicitly for military use, and is not intended for corporate entities. Further details shared suggest the establishment of a dedicated Turkish military base at the port location.
The tweet also conveyed the strategic aims behind this move, indicating the lease would serve as a deterrent against potential infringements on Turkey’s maritime boundaries, while simultaneously safeguarding the routes of commercial vessels.
However, official Turkish channels have yet to either verify or refute the claims made in the tweet.
Over the past several years, Turkey has emerged as a significant player in the complex political and military landscape of Libya. The roots of Turkey’s interest in Libya can be traced back to a combination of historical ties, economic interests, and geopolitical aspirations.