Turkey calls on militias in Libya to exercise restraint

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA

Turkey on Tuesday called on all armed groups in Libya to refrain from “any steps that would lead to a new cycle of violence” after clashes erupted in and around Mitiga International Airport near Tripoli.

In a written statement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry expressed sadness “about reports of casualties and damage to buildings as well as to commercial airplanes” during the clashes.

The ministry called on armed groups in Tripoli and all over Libya to act “in accordance with Libyan law and decisions taken by the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord.”

At least 11 people were killed Monday in the clashes, Libyan media reported.

Commenting on the clashes, Libya’s Presidential Council, affiliated with the UN-backed unity government, said the attacks had been aimed at securing the release of incarcerated Daesh and Al-Qaeda terrorists. ​