Tarhuna, Watiya and Riqdalin: Libyan army traps Erdogan on his way to quagmire

Mouaz Mohammed

Massive conflicts are raging in Libya between the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and the militias of the terrorist Government of National Accord (GNA), which is led by Fayez al-Sarraj, backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and funded by the number one sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East, Qatar. Erdogan has struck at the terms of the Berlin conference that was held in January to prevent the interference of foreign parties in the internal affairs of Libya.

Threat of military operation

The pro-Erdogan Anadolu Agency broadcast an expanded report in which it addressed the importance of the city of Tarhuna, which is located 90 kilometers southeast of the capital, Tripoli.

In the same context, the London-based Al-Arab newspaper reported on Wednesday, April 15 that the Islamist militias in Libya want to take control of the strategic Watiya military base west of Tripoli.

This base is extremely important, especially since the forces stationed there are able to provide air cover for the forces on the ground and also carry out airstrikes against targets in the vicinity of Libya, not only Tripoli.

Watiya is the only military base in Libya that is confined to sub-civilian military aircraft and can accommodate 7,000 military personnel.

The western coastal strip of Libya is witnessing military movements, especially in the town of Riqdalin, according to Al-Arab. Hundreds of military vehicles have been monitored, along with hundreds of militia members loyal to the GNA, who have been supported by the mercenaries sent by Erdogan.

The newspaper expected surprises during the next few days that could redraw the map of balance for field forces whose elements were shaken by the impact of the Brotherhood militia attacks and the Turkish-backed mercenary formations in cities in the western coastal strip region.

Libyan political analyst Faraj Zaidan told the Reference that the battle is now taking place between the LNA forces and Turkish intelligence affiliated with the GNA and Sarraj’s militias. He also stressed in TV statements on Tuesday, April 14 that the Libyans are now dealing directly with a force possessing the strength of the Janissaries, which includes many factions of non-Libyan elements.