All-out proxy war looms in Libya
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The offensive against the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies in the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli is threatening to ignite a proxy conflict between its supporters Turkey and Qatar, and the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia and France on the other side
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Chinese-made Wing Loong armed drones supplied by UAE to General Haftar’s LNA
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Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, 60: Leads Government of National Accord (GNA). Came to power through UN-backed political deal in 2015. Supported by Turkey, Qatar, Italy and powerful Misrata militias
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TRIPOLI OFFENSIVE
Apr 4, 2019: Haftar launches military campaign to seize Tripoli
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Apr 15: U.S. President Trump calls Haftar, praising his “role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources”
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May 18: Ankara begins supplying Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Tripoli
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Jun 26: Tripoli forces seize main LNA base at Gharyan. U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missiles – sold to France – found at base
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Jul 25: UAE flies in 1,000 Sudanese mercenaries. Provides air support using drones from Khadim Airbase – base also used by French special forces
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Sep: Some 100 Russian mercenaries arrive at Jufra Airbase
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Dec 24: Turkey sends first of four brigades of Syrian Turkmen fighters to support GNA in Tripoli
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Jan 2, 2020: Turkey’s parliament approves bill to deploy troops to Libya
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Jan 18: Turkey provides Hawk medium-range air defence systems to defend GNA territory
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Khalifa Haftar, 76: General leads Libyan National Army (LNA) – coalition of troops and militias. Supported by UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia and France. Haftar is seen as bulwark against Muslim Brotherhood
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U.S.-made Hawk air defence system supplied by Turkey to GNA militias
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Loyal to Haftar
Controlled by GNA 
Militias, tribesmen 
Islamic State
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2016: Misrata militias – backed by U.S. and Italy – drive Islamic State out of Sirte
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2017: Haftar’s LNA liberates Benghazi from local Al Qaeda affiliate Ansar al-Sharia
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Feb 2019: LNA liberates Derna
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TUNISIA
Zintan
ALGERIA
Ghat
NIGER
Sicily 
ITALY
Tripoli
Misrata
Derna
Khadim Airbase
Zuetina
Tobruk
Gharyan Main LNA supply base
Sirte
Jufra Airbase
Ubari Qatrun
Oil and gas fields and pipelines
LIBYA
SAHARA DESERT
CHAD
Mediterranean Sea
Crete 
GREECE
EGYPT
Sabha
Benghazi

200km 125 miles
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Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 UAV armed with twin OMTAS anti-tank missiles
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Sources: Jane's Defence Weekly, Financial Times, Middle East Eye, Petroleum Economist
© GRAPHIC NEWS Pictures: Getty Images