SOHR: Number of Syrian Mercenaries in Libya Rises to 17,500

According to the statistics of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the number of recruits who have been transferred by Turkey to Libya so far has risen to approximately 17,500 mercenaries of Syrian nationality, including 350 minors under the age of 18.

In a statement, the SOHR reported that a new batch, estimated at 450 mercenaries from the pro-Ankara factions, returned from the Libyan territories after the end of their contracts to fight alongside the Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA).

It added that they were transferred to Mitiga International Airport in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and then to Istanbul, to be transferred to the areas controlled by the pro-Turkish factions in the countryside of Aleppo.

Approximately 6,700 mercenaries from the pro-Turkish factions have returned to Syria after the end of their contracts and obtaining their financial dues, while Turkey continues to bring more mercenaries to its camps and training.

The SOHR pointed out that while the number of jihadists who arrived in Libya reached ten thousand, of whom 2,500 were of Tunisian nationality.

Ankara continues to escalate its involvement in the Libyan conflict by supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA), despite Turkey participating and agreeing to the results of the Berlin conference held last January where foreign states active in Libya agreed to uphold the UN arms embargo.