France and Turkey are locked in a war of words over Libya, with France accusing Turkey of importing fighters and weapons into the country, in contravention of international law.
Libya has been ravaged by civil war since 2014 with the Turkish and Syrian backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the French and Egyptian backed Libyan National Army (LNA) battling for control over the country.
It is believed Turkey has supplied air support, weapons and even fighters to the GNA and that this intervention has given the GNA forces a decisive edge in the conflict. There is also widespread belief that the GNA forces will soon attempt to capture the strategic port of Sirte, which opens the door to some of Libya's largest oil depots. The Egyptian leadership has said it will even stage an invasion of Libya on behalf of the LNA should such an attack occur.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday:
"I think it is a historic and criminal responsibility for a country which claims to be a NATO member."
Turkey fought back by claiming France was acting in a manner befitting of its colonial past. France formerly had a powerful role in North Africa, with neighbouring Algeria being part of the French state until the 1960s.
Turkish foreign officials stated:
"Due to the support it has given to illegitimate structures for years, France has an important responsibility in dragging Libya into chaos. The people of Libya will never forget the damage France has inflicted on this country."
Macron and France have long denied assisting the LNA, which is under the control of renegade general Khalifa Haftar.
Tensions rose even higher between the two countries when in early June, a Turkish vessel believed to be carrying arms to Libya, refused to stop for a French inspection, in line with international law. NATO, of which both countries are members, is now carrying a full investigation into the matter, which allegedly involved Turkish seamen even pointing light weapons at the French mariners.
While it is hoped that conflict does not escalate, the proxy war between the two powers will surely become much more intense should either side in Libya start to take a distinct advantage in the long-running stalemate. Such as the GNA attempting to take Sirte.
It is believed that within GNA territory, there continues to exist Islamist extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which neither France, Russia, nor Egypt wish to see taking any sort of stronghold.
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