The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Friday that a group of over 150 mercenaries from Turkey-backed factions has arrived in Libya via Turkey. The Observatory stated that the rotation of Syrian fighters in Libya continues, despite a significant reduction in monthly salaries compared to before the cessation of the conflict between Libyan factions and ongoing international calls to stop the sending of mercenaries to Libya.
The Observatory indicated that the Turkish government "continues to mislead public opinion regarding the issue of Syrian mercenaries on Libyan soil," emphasizing the necessity for their departure amidst ongoing Libyan-Libyan agreements and continuous international demands for all foreign troops to leave, especially with the approach of Libyan elections.
Last week, the Libyan Presidential Council welcomed the discussions and outcomes of the Paris Conference approved by the participating countries, stressing the importance of conducting elections transparently and fairly and the need for all mercenaries to leave Libyan territory. The Council praised the efforts and results of the Joint Military Commission (5+5) in establishing a comprehensive plan for the complete withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign troops from Libyan territory.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the conclusion of an international conference on Libya in Paris last week that mercenaries would be leaving Libya in the coming weeks, confirming that Turkey and Russia must withdraw their mercenaries from Libya "without delay" because their presence "threatens stability and security in the country and the entire region." Macron noted in a press conference that "a first step has been taken with the withdrawal of 300 mercenaries," but clarified that "this is just the beginning... Turkey and Russia also need to withdraw their mercenaries and military forces without delay, as their presence threatens stability and security in the country and the entire region."
