This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-48818695

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Turkey vows 'heavy' retaliation to Libya attacks, defence minister says Turkey threatens Libya as six citizens detained by Haftar troops
(about 5 hours later)
Turkey says it will "retaliate in the most effective and strong way" to any threats from the Libyan warlord's Khalifa Haftar's army. Turkey says warlord Khalifa Haftar's eastern Libyan forces will become a "legitimate target" if they do not immediately release six Turks.
The warning came after Gen Haftar's Libyan National Army said it would strike Turkish vessels in Libyan waters and view Turkish businesses as targets. The Turkish foreign ministry said the detention of its citizens "amounts to banditry and piracy".
The LNA controls most of the east and south of Libya and started an offensive against the internationally recognised government in April. Gen Haftar's forces said on Friday that they would attack Turkish targets over Turkish support for the internationally recognised Libyan government.
Turkey supports the Libyan government. Gen Haftar started an offensive against the Tripoli government in April.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country supplies weapons and drones to Tripoli's Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minster Fayez al-Sarraj. Turkey supports the Libyan government, supplying drones, weapons and trucks to boost its efforts in the ongoing conflict with Haftar's forces.
He said Turkish backing helped "rebalance" the fight against Gen Haftar, who has backing from UAE and Egypt. Gen Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said it would strike Turkish vessels in Libyan waters and viewed Turkish businesses as targets.
It also banned commercial flights from Libya to Turkey.
The LNA controls most of the east and south of Libya.
Earlier on Sunday, Turkey said it would "retaliate in the most effective and strong way" to any threats from Gen Haftar's army.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he is supporting the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minster Fayez, to "rebalance" the fight against Gen Haftar, who has backing from UAE and Egypt.
Turkish Defence Minister Huluski Akar warned that LNA forces would pay a "very heavy price" for any attacks on Turkish interests.Turkish Defence Minister Huluski Akar warned that LNA forces would pay a "very heavy price" for any attacks on Turkish interests.
On Thursday, the GNA reclaimed the strategic town of Gharyan, a main supply base for Gen Haftar's forces in their offensive on Tripoli.On Thursday, the GNA reclaimed the strategic town of Gharyan, a main supply base for Gen Haftar's forces in their offensive on Tripoli.
Libya has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.Libya has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.