Turkish presence in Libya is steadily increasing and locals have begun to show some distress like, for example, in case of Al-khoms citizens criticize Turkish presence. Turkish military ships regularly dock (the last was the 12-30-2020) at al Khoms (a coastal city in Tripolitania – northern Libya), confirming an increasing Turkish military presence that adds further turmoil in an already troubled region and generates a deep discontent among Libyans.
Local inhabitants of Al-Khoms and Misrata have been showing on social media a mounting dissent towards the disrespect shown by the Turkish soldiers and the negative effects of their presence. Ahmed, who lives next to the al-Khoms port, complains for the lack of transparency related to the activities conducted by the military vehicles and personnel who support the Turkish military presence and affirms “it is clear that many vehicles enter and exit the port, what it is not clear is the kind of activities they carry out and who is going to take advantage”.
Al-khoms citizens criticize Turkish presence: they act rude with us…
In the same thread, anther Al-Khoms inhabitant says that ”Khoms is perfect for the Turks that can run every type of operations and nefarious activities because it is relatively small and well connected. These activities could destabilize the area, dragging here the conflict and putting at risk our families”. Fatima, an owner of a little shop in the city center, underlines that “Libyans will not accept the Turkish presence; we do not like how Turks behave and interact with us, we are not a land to be conquered but a rich land that must be considered as a partner”.
Turkish Navy TCG G-class frigate at Khoms Naval Base on 30-12-20
It is not a secret that Turkey has increased its military presence in Libya after its support to the Government of National Accord against the militias lead by Gen. Haftar, but what it seems clearer nowadays is that Libyans are rejecting an invasive Turkish presence in their cities. Citizens of Al-Khoms and Misrata have been sharing their discomfort caused by the Turkish military activities and have been advocating for an independent Libya. They fear that their cities and villages could become a war zone and strongly criticize the Turks behavior and their disrespect of local realities.
