Libya: LNA Downs Turkish Drone in Tripoli

The Libyan National Army announced, on Monday, the shooting down of a Turkish drone (unmanned), south of the capital Tripoli, Libya.

According to a statement issued by the Military Media Department, the air defense platforms of the Libyan Armed Forces targeted a Turkish plane that took off from Mitiga International Airport; it was shot down in southern Tripoli.

The Libyan army, widely known as LNA, had indicated in a statement a few days ago that Ankara is still sending weapons and military equipment from Turkish ports to the port of Tripoli and Misrata in order to support mercenaries and terrorists in Libya.

On March 21, the Libyan National Army spokesman, Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari, referred to the victory of the Libyan armed forces in ongoing battles in the vicinity of the city of Tripoli, where terrorist militia gatherings had been eliminated.

Turkey provides significant military support to the extremist militias associated with the so-called Government of the National Accord, headed by Fayed al-Sarraj whether by sending military advisers, soldiers, weapons, or even mercenaries from Syria.

One of the most important weapons used by the Tripoli militias in their battles against the LNA forces is the drones.

Earlier, well-informed sources revealed to "Sky News Arabia” satellite channel that the Libyan National Army shot down six Turkish planes operating in the capital, Tripoli, in late February.

Tripoli is witnessing battles between the national army and militia, as the army seeks to rid the capital of the grip of extremism in a military operation launched months ago.

In the same context, al-Mismari said that “We announce to you that the valiant Libyan National Army forces have managed, thank God, to purify the areas of Al-Asa, Al-Jameel and Zalatun, from the control of the GNA militias and its Syrian mercenaries.”

In the meantime, the LNA forces, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hafter, announced for the first time the close control of the land port of Ra’s Ajdir located on the common border with Tunisia and controlled by the GNA forces.