The Libyan National Army (LNA) has captured a Turkish ACV-15 armored personnel carrier (APC) from forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
On March 21, the LNA shared photos of the captured APC, which appeared to be damaged. The vehicle was reportedly captured in the town of Ain Zara, to the southeast of the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
#Libya– first ever FNSS ACV-15 (AAPC variant), supplied by #Turkey to #GNA, captured by the #LNA in Ain Zara, SE #Tripoli pic.twitter.com/VlPVST3T05
— Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) March 21, 2020
Over the last few months, Turkey stepped up its support for the GNA following a cooperation agreement. Ankara sent armored vehicles, howitzers and ammunition to its Libyan allies. Air-defense systems and drones were also deployed in Libya.
Turkey also sent thousands of its Syrian proxies to fight in the ranks of pro-GNA forces. In the last few days, 14 such militants were killed by the LNA around Tripoli and the city of Misrata.
Despite not making any significant advance on the ground, the LNA is inflicting heavy losses on GNA forces. The army could be trying to drain the GNA, without getting dragged into a direct military confrontation with Turkey.
