More Syrian Militants Die Fighting For Turkey In Libya: Monitoring Group
The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants who were killed while fighting for the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya has risen to 470, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on July 9.
According to the UK-based monitoring group, at least 33 child soldiers were among the dead in Libya. The death toll also includes several field commanders.
The militants were killed while carrying out operations with Turkish-backed GNA forces against the Libyan National Army.
Turkey began deploying Syrian militants in Libya last year in order to boost the capabilities of the GNA. Turkish support allowed GNA forces to secure serious gains in western and northwestern Libya in the last few months.
The SOHR estimates that Turkey has deployed 15,800 Syrian militants in Libya, thus far. At least 5,600 of them returned to Syria.
Turkish-backed militants were heavily criticized by a large part of the Syrian opposition for joining the battle in Libya. Despite this, more militants are enlisting upon Turkey’s orders. Money is the main motive for most of them.
Source: More Syrian Militants Die Fighting For Turkey In Libya: Monitoring Group