Turkey and the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) are discussing possible Turkish use of two military bases in the North African country, according to Reuters, citing a Turkish source said on Monday,
It added that the move is aimed at teeing up a lasting Turkish presence in the south Mediterranean region.
No final decisions have been made over possible Turkish military use of the Misrata naval base and the al-Watiya air base, which was recently recaptured by the Turkey-backed GNA government.
The Libyan National Army (LNA) forces have recently withdrawn from many areas surrounding Tripoli.
Last week, Turkey said it could expand its cooperation in Libya with new energy and construction deals once the conflict ends.
"Turkey using al-Watiya ... is on the agenda," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"It could also be possible for the Misrata naval base to be used by Turkey."
Ankara will also cooperate in oil drilling and exploration activities with Tripoli, according to the paper
The Tripoli -based GNA receives backing from Turkey, while Haftar-led forces are supported by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Haftar’s forces began their military operation in April 2019 in an attempt to seize Tripoli and unseat the GNA government led by the Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
The news comes days after Sarraj paid a visit to Ankara, where he announced victory over Haftar during a press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Libya plunged into chaos in 2011 when a popular uprising backed by a NATO intervention led to the ouster of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
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