The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicated that the total number of Turkish-backed mercenaries who arrived in Libya has risen to 14,700 Syrian mercenaries, of whom there were 2,600 returned to Syria, while nearly 1,800 others arrived in Turkey to undergo training courses.
In a statement on Friday, SOHR said that new batches of mercenaries were sent to Libya in the past few days, along with the return of others to Syria, pointing out that the returnees have got all financial dues after helping the Government of National Accord (GNA) to achieve strategic advancements in Libya.
“Among the total number of recruits, some 300 children between 16 and 18 have been recruited to fight in Libya, the majority of whom are from the “Al-Sultan Murad” Division and were promised material compensation which amounts to exploiting their difficult living situation and poverty” the statement said.
“Moreover, are other recruits used have fought in Libya as a pretext to go to Europe,” it added, noting that 400 recruits managed to illegally infiltrate Europe through Italy.
SOHR also said that 14 Syrian fighters were recently killed while participating in clashes on the side of the Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
According to SOHR tally, the total death toll of Turkish-backed Syrian proxies who were killed in military operations in Libya has risen to 417, including 30 children under the age of eighteen, as well as some group commanders.