Image copyright Getty Images Image caption France is suspending its role in Operation Sea Guardian, saying Turkey does not "respect" the Libya embargoFrance has temporarily pulled out of a Nato security operation amid a major row with Turkey. The defence ministry said France had suspended its role in Operation Sea Guardian, accusing Turkey of violating an arms embargo against Libya. French relations with Turkey have become increasingly strained in recent months because of the Libya crisis, Turkey's role in northern Syria, and also drilling in the eastern Mediterranean. According to French defence forces, Turkish ships escorting the Cirkin - which they said was carrying medical supplies - acted aggressively to the Courbet, and even targeted it with their weapons systems three times. "It doesn't make sense to keep our assets... with allies who do not respect the embargo," a French defence official reportedly said.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 02, 2020 10:12 UTC