Rome, September 10, 2024 - In a move that underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the Libyan arms embargo, Turkey has again refused inspection of a Turkish-flagged vessel suspected of carrying weapons to the North African nation. This marks the 12th time Turkey has blocked such inspections by the European Union's Operation Irini, raising serious questions about its commitment to upholding UN sanctions.
The latest incident occurred on September 8th in the Mediterranean Sea, when Turkey denied access to the MV Matilde A. Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2292/2016 mandating cooperation with inspections, Turkey has consistently obstructed Operation Irini's efforts. This pattern of denial dates back to the mission's launch in 2020, with six refusals in 2021, three in 2022, two in 2023, and now one in 2024.
This latest refusal comes on the heels of a visit to Tripoli by Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, who met with key Libyan Government of National Unity figures. This has fueled speculation about continued Turkish military support for the Tripoli government, despite the ongoing UN arms embargo. These concerns are further compounded by a 2022 confidential agreement where Turkey pledged training, weapons, and drones to the Libyan government, directly contradicting the UN embargo.
Adding to the unease is Turkey's recent upgrade of the Al Watiya air base in Libya with a sophisticated Hisar-O100 air defense system, replacing the older Mim-23 Hawk system. This move, highlighted in August by the "Military Africa" website, signifies a bolstering of military capabilities within Libya.
While Operation Irini, tasked with enforcing the arms embargo, has successfully seized illicit cargo and diverted suspect vessels on several occasions, its effectiveness is hampered by Turkey's repeated obstruction. The mission's ability to monitor Libyan ports and airports and provide critical intelligence to the UN is crucial, especially given documented violations and suspected smuggling activities.
This continued defiance of UN mandates by Turkey not only undermines international efforts to stabilize Libya but also raises serious questions about its commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region. The international community must hold Turkey accountable and demand transparency regarding its activities in Libya to ensure the efficacy of the arms embargo and pave the way for lasting peace.