The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Number Of Syrian Militants Killed In Libya Tops 300

The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants killed while fighting for the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya has risen to 311, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on May 21.

According to the UK-based monitoring group, at least 18 of the slain militants were minors. The observatory revealed in a previous report that Turkey is no recruiting child soldiers for its campaign in Libya.

Citing several sources with knowledge on the situation in Libya, the SOHR said Syrian militants played a key role in the GNA’s recent successful attacks on the Libyan National Army (LNA). Syrians even participated in the capture of the al-Watyah Air Base in western Libya.

“The Syrians are the ones leading combat groups on the frontlines, especially the west, that’s after receiving military training in Turkey’s territory before being sent to Libya,” the SOHR’s report reads.

At least 9,600 Syrian militants are now fighting in the ranks of GNA forces. Around 3,300 others are receiving military training in Turkish camps.

Besides deploying Syrian militants, Turkey sent a respective number of its troops to Libya in order to support the GNA. According to Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmar, a spokesman for the LNA, 1,500 Turkish soldiers are currently deployed in Libya. At least 2,500 others will soon arrive in the country’s.

Turkey’s vast support has allowed the GNA to regain momentum. In the last few days, government forces made many significant achievements on the ground. Meanwhile, the LNA is sustaining heavy losses on several frontlines.

Source: Number Of Syrian Militants Killed In Libya Tops 300: Monitoring Group: izwest — LiveJournal