The Turkish parliament has approved a new motion extending the mandate of Turkish forces deployed in Libya for an additional two years, reinforcing Ankara’s continued military presence amid Libya’s ongoing political and security instability.
Under the decision, the renewed mandate will take effect on 2 January 2026, following the submission of the presidential motion to the legislature for ratification in November 2025. The memorandum states that the extension aims to protect Turkey’s national interests in accordance with international law and to take all necessary measures to counter security threats posed by illegal armed groups operating in Libya.
Turkey’s official military involvement in Libya began on 2 January 2020, when the Turkish parliament authorized the deployment of forces at the request of Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord during the height of the conflict. The move was carried out under Article 92 of the Turkish Constitution, which regulates the deployment of Turkish troops abroad.
Since then, Ankara has approved several extensions of its military mission in Libya. In June 2021, the parliament voted to extend the deployment for 18 months, citing persistent political and security instability in the country. This was followed in November 2023 by a 24-month extension, set to run until January 2026. The latest parliamentary vote now adds a further two years to the mandate.
Turkish officials argue that the repeated extensions reflect the continued fragility of Libya’s political and governance framework. Ankara maintains that its military presence contributes to supporting the ceasefire process, facilitating political dialogue, and safeguarding Turkish strategic interests in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
The presidential decrees granting these extensions are intended to provide the Turkish government with a clear constitutional and legal mandate for maintaining troops in Libya. They are also closely linked to shifting security conditions on the ground, as well as Turkey’s stated support for international efforts aimed at preserving Libya’s sovereignty and advancing long-term stability.
