CORRECTS Turkey helps Libya defuse explosives, bombs

CORRECTS VERB TO READ “DEFUSE” IN HEADLINE, LEDE. ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, REVISED THROUGHOUT.

By Yasemin Kalyoncuoglu

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish ordnance experts continue to help Libya defuse and remove explosives and bombs left behind by the conflict between the government and warlord Khalifa Haftar.

Explosive ordnance disposal teams of the Turkish Air Forces continue their work in Libya as part of military training and cooperation arrangements between the two countries, said a Turkish National Defense Ministry statement.

The bomb squad teams help ensure the safety of Libyans, the statement added.

The Turkish and Libyan governments signed a security cooperation agreement in November 2019.

The North African country has been torn by a civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Last October Libya’s UN-recognized government and warlord Haftar’s forces reached a nationwide cease-fire, but the government has documented several violations by Haftar militias.

International efforts for a permanent political settlement, however, are still underway.

The Turkish Armed Forces have also been training Libya's navy and army.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk​​​​​​​