Turkey in Libya has established an invasive presence in Al-Khoms, docking war ships and providing training to local security forces, preparing for a “long stay“. Libyans are however skeptic about the quality of the training and the equipment delivered. Turkey is not new in delivering poor training to Libyan security forces.
Turkey in Libya delivers poor training
A social media account qualified in intelligence matters shared pictures taken inside the Joint Naval Training Center Command at Al-Khoms, a base used for training the naval personnel. These pictures show Turks delivering “poor equipment and ineffective skills”. Despite the low level of training delivered, the Turkish military has stepped up their presence. Satellite images show modifications at Al-Khoms port that suggest it may be ready to host a long term Turkish naval presence. It appears Turkey in Libya is delivering poor training but preparing everything for a “long stay”.
A Libyan naval officer revealed “Turkish advisors are providing training that keeps soldiers at a very low level of proficiency. It is like they are avoiding teaching effective skills”. It seems that Turkish advisors prefer to rotate the trainees, keeping Libyan units at a low level of combat readiness. However, the most concerning aspect is “the lack of promised equipment and weapons”. It impossible to achieve an high level of readiness and proficiency without the proper training and equipment.
Al-Khoms ready to host a stable Turkish naval presence
Western official said “in Al-Khoms Turks are constructing facilities, bringing in personnel and equipment. They’ve got the HAWK air defense missile batteries and 3D [KALAKAN] radar. It’s a comprehensive effort. Graphic showing visible developments at #Khoms in contrast with imagery from April 2020. This is part of mounting evidence that #Turkey is developing a more permanent naval base at the port.”
Imagery showing visible developments at Al-Khoms port where Turkey is developing a permanent naval base.
Local citizens are criticizing Turks for the poor training provided while preparing local facilities to host Turkish military forces. Local social accounts strongly complained about an “uneven balance of interests”, pointing out that “in Libya, Turkish army occupies Al-Khoms.” Although Turkish officers deny such development, local citizens believe there is an “unequal relationship” between the two countries. Mohammed, a local businessman, said: “indications point towards the establishment of a Turkish naval base at Al-Khoms. Not least the visits of frigates, but also refurbished structures and access roads.” It is clear that Turkey in Libya is, despite the poor training provided, setting the stage for a “long stay”.
Indications point towards the establishment of a Turkish naval base at Al-Khoms
Libyan politicians, such as al-Namroush, Government of National Accord Secretary, expressed also concern about the Turkey expansion in Al-Khoms.
