Turkey is preparing to create two permanent military bases in Libya, EDNews.net reports citing Yeni Safak.

It is noted that the Government of Libyan National Accord is considering the provision of Turkey Al-Vatiya air base, where Ankara plans to deploy air defense systems and combat drones. The second base can be created in the port of Misrat, where the ships of the Turkish Navy will be deployed.

According to the newspaper, Turkey may become a co-owner of offshore oil companies in the exclusive economic zone of Libya, and the presence of Turkish warships is necessary to ensure the safety of drilling operations. In addition, Turkey considers it appropriate to have its own Navy in the region due to the aggravation of relations with Greece.

After the overthrow and assassination of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya virtually ceased to function as a single state. Dual power reigns in the country now.

The parliament elected by the people sits in the east, and in the west, in the capital Tripoli, the Government of National Accord, headed by Fayez Sarraj, formed with the support of the UN and the European Union, rules.

The authorities of the eastern part of the country operate independently of Tripoli and cooperate with the Libyan National Army, led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who has not stopped trying to capture Tripoli since April 2019.