The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has announced that large-scale naval exercises off the Libyan coast will take place soon.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the conflict in Libya has entered a new phase “with foreign interference reaching unprecedented levels”.

Russia’s Libyan allies are ready to sign a cease-fire but the Tripoli-based government is unwilling, according to Russia’s top diplomat.

The Italian Senate has agreed to resume funding of Italy’s military mission in Libya to train Libyan coastguards in efforts to end illegal immigration.

The UK embassy in Tripoli reported yesterday that the UK government has signed an MoU with Libya’s internationally recognized government based in Tripoli to support Libya’s decentralisation process and strengthen sub-national governance.

Turkey is incensed by Saturday’s attack targeting the strategic al-Watiya air base in Libya that damaged Turkish air defence systems, with officials warning it will likely escalate the conflict in the North African country.

The Head of the Libyan Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord Fayez Al-Serraj arrived in Malta on Monday and was welcomed by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo and Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Byron Camilleri.

Turkish Anadolu Agency cited Syrian sources as saying that Russia had sent 300 mercenaries, including former members of ISIS, from the regions under the control of the Bashar Assad regime in eastern Syria to fight alongside Khalifa Haftar’s forces in eastern Libya.

Libyan forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) announced that 190 students from Tripoli Military College, which was bombed by the forces of renegade General Khalifa Haftar early this year, left the country to complete their studies in Turkey.

The Chairman of Libya’s state oil company has blamed foreign powers backing Khalifa Haftar for hindering talks intended to enable Libya to end a six-month oil blockade and resume crude exports.