Libya: Turkish-backed fighters head for Libya’s Sirte as battle looms
Turkish-backed fighters allied to Libya’s United Nations-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) moved closer to Sirte on Saturday as a battle for the key strategic city looms, Reuters reported.
Witnesses and GNA military commanders said a column of about 200 vehicles moved eastwards from Misrata along the Mediterranean coast towards the town of Tawergha, about a third of the way to Sirte.
The Tripoli-based GNA says in intends to recapture Sirte, a gateway to Libya’s main oil terminals, from forces allied to the eastern-based rebel General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA).
The GNA recently recaptured most of the territory held by the LNA in northwest Libya, ending Haftar’s 14-month campaign to take the capital. The new frontline has been drawn between Misrata and Sirte.