Turkish-Backed Militants From Syria Promised Higher Salaries And Citizenship If They Fight in Libya

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Turkey is paying higher salaries to militants who go and fight in Libya, Foreign Policy Research Institute fellow Elizabeth Tsurkov said.

According to her, fighters from the Turkish-backed Syrian militant groups were paid approximately $50 a month in Syria, but the rumored salary in Libya was $1,500 per month.

In addition, fighters are being promised Turkish citizenship after 6 months of deployment in Libya.

A fighter in the Samarkand Brigade told me why fighters are going to Libya: “Turkey is carrying out a policy of starving the dog to make him follow you.” The salaries of fighters in Syria are $50 per month – impossible to survive on. Rumored monthly salaries in Libya are $1,500.

— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) January 6, 2020

Reportedly 3 Turkish-backed militants died fighting against the Libyan National Army (LNA), and there is even a debate on how to report their deaths, and even if to report them at all.

3 additional fighters from the Turkish-backed factions were killed fighting in Libya. There is a current heated debate within the Turkish-backed factions on how to present their deaths to the public & whether to truthfully report where they were killed.

— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) January 7, 2020

Meanwhile, there was a big breakthrough in the fight, as the LNA breached the city of Sirte and apparently put it under its control.

The LNA’s Navy docked in the city.

#LNA navy AlKarama dockig in #Sirte after #LNA controlled the city yesterday #Libya pic.twitter.com/UMjeTpvAgM

— Mohamed Mansour ?? (@Mansourtalk) January 7, 2020

There was a video released purportedly showing Turkish-made military vehicles that were seized by the LNA in Sirte.

المدرعه التركية المعروفه ( لميس ) بعد تركتها قوات المكرونه المبكبكه خلفها في مدينة #سرت قبل انسحابهم منها pic.twitter.com/ZHydyk964x

— محمد بوشقمة (@boshgma) January 6, 2020

The UN-assigned Government of National Accord (GNA) said that it simply withdrew to protect civilians, but successfully deflected attacks from the South and East.

#عاجل | #طه_حديد: قواتنا صدت هجوم مسلحي #حفتر من المحورين الشرقي والجنوبي لكنها فضلت الانسحاب حماية للمدنيين

— Libya Alahrar TV – قناة ليبيا الأحرار (@libyaalahrartv) January 6, 2020

The LNA spokesperson said that consultations were on-going to form an international mission that oversees the absence of foreign forces in Libya.

The situation in Tripoli remains contested, with little progress being claimed by either side, but the LNA capturing Sirte is a significant development.

There are numerous videos and photographs to substantiate the claims.

Libyan National Army (LNA) seems to have took full control of coastal city of Sirte. #Libyapic.twitter.com/N4zh4LCxyj

— Aldin ?? (@aldin_ww) January 6, 2020

Celebrations in #Libya's #Sirte, as #LNA forces capture the city from Misrata Islamist militias.
/via Al-Hadath TV pic.twitter.com/bskXDvTYLH

— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) January 6, 2020

Very interesting to see Gaddafi images and green flag today as LNA took back control of Sirte in #Libya pic.twitter.com/97NNDrUQ8I

— Aldin ?? (@aldin_ww) January 6, 2020

Al-Bonyan Al-Marsous Force, the group that allegedly defeated ISIS in Sirte, mobilized its forces to launch a counter-attack on Sirte to repel LNA groups, but there are yet to be any reports of progress on that front.

Al-Bonyan Al-Marsous Force, the one that defeated #ISIS in Sirte, mobilizes forces to launch a counter-attack on Sirte to repel Haftar’s armed groups who took control of the most parts of the city on Monday pic.twitter.com/pbhUGgW4Fz

— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) January 6, 2020

MORE ON THE TOPIC:

• Libyan National Army Enters Sirte City As GNA’s Defense Collapses Despite Turkish Troop Deployment (Videos)
• Elite Turkish Troops, Including Electronic Warfare & Air Defense Experts, Arrived In Libya: Reports

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