As a new batch returns | Nearly 520 Turkish-backed Syrian mercenaries return from Libya to Syria in less than a week
Reliable sources have told SOHR that a new batch of Syrian mercenaries, who had been sent to Libya, arrived in Syria on Friday evening, as nearly 100 fighters of the Turkish-backed factions were transported from Libya to Turkey, then to Syria.
This development coincides with back-and-forth transfer operations of mercenaries from and to Syria.
Observatory sources have also say that the factions arrested three fighters of the recently-arrived batch, claiming that the “fighters were having drugs”. However, SOHR sources have confirmed that the three fighters were arrested for participating in demonstrations in Libya, calling for their delayed salaries.
The recently-arrived batch also comprised fighters who were transported to Libya in 2019.
Accordingly, the number of Turkish-backed Syrian mercenaries who returned to Syria in less than a week has risen to nearly 520.
On Thursday, SOHR sources reported that Turkish intelligence continued sending the mercenaries from Syria to Libya and deport those in Libya, whose contracts were terminated, and those who desire to return back to Syria in an operation of organized exchange.
A new batch of Syrian mercenaries went out to Turkey via Hiwar Kliks crossing in north Aleppo countryside, and they arrived in south Turkey in buses in preparations to leave to Libya.
According to SOHR resources, the new batch was composed of 200 mercenaries who were members of Turkey-backed factions, while SOHR sources stressed that a plane has left Misrata Airport to Tripoli and then to Turkey. Meanwhile, SOHR sources stressed that an airplane has left Misrata Airport in Libya to Tripoli and then to Turkey carrying on board members of the mercenaries returning to Syrian via the Turkish airports.
Number of mercenaries leaving Libya to Syria reached 420 members during the past four days. SOHR sources knew that members of mercenaries of the Syrian nationals have reached Syria on the previous day after their return back from Libya on October 5.
SOHR sources also reported that Turkey-backed factions stationed in Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield areas have sent nearly 130 mercenaries to Turkey on October 6 to transfer them to Libya. The Turkish intelligence also has asked leaders of its loyal factions to keep the members on alert to transfer new batches from Libya when asked.
On Oct. 5, Reliable SOHR sources have confirmed the return of the first batch of Turkish-backed Syrian mercenaries from Libya, as an aero plane with nearly 300 Syrian fighters aboard landed in Turkish territory, then the fighters were transported later to Syria. The return of Syrian fighters from Libya to Syria comes as a part of the evacuation of foreign forces from Libya.
While this development coincides with the meeting which is expected to be held in Geneva today in order to discuss the file of mercenaries in Libya.