Turkish Naval Forces Commander Adm. Adnan Ozbal has visited Tripoli as Ankara moves to strengthen its presence in the North African country with two military bases. It is unclear when the visit occurred but sources told the news agency that the Turkish navy commander travelled to Libya at the directives of Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar. The GNA with the support of Turkish drones and military equipment managed last month to roll back Haftar’s advances and take over strategic positions. Ozbal’s visit comes amid talks between the GNA and Ankara for Turkey to establish two military bases in GNA controlled areas. The future bases are namely Misrata naval base and Al Watiya air base located on the southern outskirt of capital Tripoli.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 01, 2020 14:46 UTC