Libyan Army Claims It Repelled Turkish-Backed Attack On Sirte

The Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed on June 6 that its units had repelled a large-scale attack on the coastal town of Sirte.

Forces loyal to the Government for National Accord (GNA) launched the attack in the morning with a direct support from Turkey. Initially, GNA forces reached Sirte’s outskirt. However, the LNA was able to push them back after several hours of heavy clashes.

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The LNA’s claims are yet to be verified. Recent footage revealed that army units sustained serious losses in the clashes around the town.

Meanwhile, the GNA’s operations room said that LNA units are retreating from Sirte. The operations room also claimed that a Wing Loong II combat drone of the UAE was shot down around the town.

Turkish combat drones as well as thousands of Syrian militants support GNA forces, which received loads of heavy weapons in the last few months. Without more support from its backers – Egypt and the UAE, the LNA will likely fail to hold onto its positions around Sirte for long.

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