The Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed on May 22 that its air-defense units had shot down four Turkish drones in different parts of Libya.
Two of the drones were allegedly shot down near the town of Tarhunah. The others were downed while flying over the towns of Qaryat and Bu al-Gahrib. The towns are all located south and southeast of the country’s capital, Tripoli.
Libyan sources shared a video and several photos showing the remains of the downed drones, which appeared to be similar to the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2.
خاص | النيران تشتعل في طائرة تركية مُسيّرة أسقطها #الجيش_الوطني في #ترهونة#ليبيا #تركيا #218NEWS pic.twitter.com/mNlpKSHseC
— 218NEWS (@218news) May 21, 2020
#BREAKING: I just got confirmation that the #Libya National Army successfully shot-down at-least one #Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed drone of #GNA over #Tarhuna using Pantsir S1E surface-to-air missile system last night. pic.twitter.com/VdgtAdgmMw
— Babak Taghvaee – Μπάπακ Τακβαίε – بابک تقوایی (B) (@BabakTaghvaee1) May 22, 2020
Turkey intensified its drone operations in Libya in the recent few weeks in order to support the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Combat drones destroyed several Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems, which were used by the LNA. The systems were sent to the LNA by the UAE.
Despite the recent losses, the LNA is still apparently retaining some air-defense capabilities. Recent reports also revealed that the army is rearming its air force with restored fighter jets, including Mig-29s. This may help the LNA to regain momentum in the battle against the GNA.
