Turkey pouring Syrian militants into Libya, says human rights body

A picture taken on February 13, 2020 shows a billboard depicting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a member of Daesh in Benghazi, Libya. (AFP)
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Updated 24 May 2023
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Turkey pouring Syrian militants into Libya, says human rights body

  • There are 7,400 Turkish backed mercenaries in Libya, the monitor said

LONDON: Turkey continues to send Syrian mercenaries to Libya and several have died in clashes with Khalifa Haftar’s forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Saturday.

The observatory said 26 militants have recently been killed in fighting, bringing the death toll of Turkish backed Syrian mercenaries in Libya to 249.

The monitor added that there are 7,400 Turkish backed mercenaries in Libya, some of whom are not Syrian.


Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

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Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

  • On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced the strategy

AMMAN: Jordan’s Armed Forces have begun implementing royal directives from King Abdullah II aimed at restructuring and modernizing the Arab Army to strengthen its operational readiness and ability to meet evolving security challenges, it was announced on Sunday.

The overhaul is designed to sharpen combat capabilities and establish a streamlined, flexible force equipped to operate across varied environments, while adapting to the demands of modern and unconventional warfare, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The directives called for closer alignment between organizational structures and operational needs, alongside upgrades to command, control and communications systems. 

They also urged stronger integration across military branches and units, as well as expanded use of advanced technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber capabilities.

Plans also include reinforcing reserve forces, improving logistics to ensure reliable supply chains, and supporting Jordan’s defense industries to enhance self-sufficiency and efficiency.

In a statement, the Jordanian Armed Forces said they were fully committed to carrying out the royal directives as part of a broader strategic vision to raise professionalism and preparedness.

On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced a strategy “to achieve a structural transformation in the armed forces over the course of the next three years,” Petra said.

In a letter to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the King wrote: “Our Arab Army is a national institution that every Jordanian is proud of.”

“We must examine the requirements for modernizing and developing our Armed Forces, while restructuring them to keep pace with combat demands within various environments of operation,” the king wrote. 

The king also said the army must have sufficient reserve forces reinforced with the necessary capabilities.

“Our Armed Forces must have sufficient reserve forces, equipped with the various needed capabilities to execute their operations efficiently.”