Tripoli-based Government Signs Military Deals With Turkey

The interim government in Libya has signed a pair of military agreements with Turkey, reports the Al-Monitor (Washington, D.C.).

Last week in Istanbul, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the head of the interim government in Tripoli, signed two agreements to strengthen military ties and modernize the Libyan military, with a focus on aviation.

The sides agreed to work together on military equipment, border security, organized crime and terrorism and create a military cooperation committee, according to Libyan officials.

As part of the deal, Libyan personnel will receive Turkish training and take part in joint exercises with the Turkish air force, reported the Atalayar (Madrid).

The deals may also prepare the way for a Libyan purchase of Turkish-made drones. Dbeibah met with representatives of Baykar, the manufacturer of the Bayraktar family of drones while in Istanbul.

According to unverified reports, the deal covers 70 Bayraktar Akinci drones and other military equipment.