The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) has said it is deeply concerned about the continuing militarization of its oil facilities and the heavy presence of foreign mercenaries at various oil fields and ports in the east and south of the country.

The third meeting for military experts of the 5+5 Defense Initiative, organized by Portugal, kicked off Tuesday in the presence of Libya, according to the Libyan Defense Ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA).

The Head of the Libyan High Council of State Khalid Al-Mishri said Libya and Turkey had forged a clear agreement to repel the attacks of warlord Khalifa Haftar’s militias.

Libyan authorities have shot dead three Sudanese migrants who tried to escape after they were intercepted by the coastguard in the Mediterranean Sea and returned to the North African country, the United Nations said.

The Libyan armed forces loyal to the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) are waiting for a political solution to enter the city of Sirte “peacefully”.

Playing one country against the other and exploiting competing interests of regional powers, Haftar has done everything to keep the conflict running as a freeloader.

Khalifa Haftar has ordered the transfer of affiliation of some of his “military command units” to the General Staff of his forces under the leadership of Abdelrazik Al-Nathori.

US officials say Washington has threatened warlord Khalifa Haftar with sanctions over his refusal to reopen oil exports, which the US said that it was a decision made under Russian influence.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported yesterday that it has ‘‘mounting evidence that Russia, through the Wagner Group, continues to position military equipment in Libya capable of conducting kinetic operations there’’.

Turkey and Russia said they will push for a cease-fire in Libya, where they support opposing sides in a civil war, while tensions continue to escalate between Ankara and Europe elsewhere in the Mediterranean, exposing a tangle of competing alliances across the region.