Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government are discussing possible Turkish use of two military bases in the North African country, a Turkish source said on Monday, teeing up a lasting Turkish presence in the south Mediterranean.
No final decisions have been made over possible Turkish military use of the Misrata naval base and the al-Watiya air base, which was recently recaptured by the Turkey-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
The GNA has driven back Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) - backed by Russia, France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates - in recent weeks and recaptured several positions. Last week, Turkey said it could expand its cooperation in Libya with new energy and construction deals once the conflict ends.
"Turkey using al-Watiya ... is on the agenda," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It could also be possible for the Misrata naval base to be used by Turkey."