​​​​​​​U.S. officer: Turkish military presence in Libya causes escalation

Townsend said the ongoing fighting in the country has left the  international community "paralysed" without achieving  any real progress towards a political solution, Al-Monitor reported.

"Turkey's recent deployment of troops and equipment threatens a major escalation, as Russia and Turkey are trying to raise the balance in their favor," Townsend said in his statement to the U.S. Congress.  "One of the possible bad results for both the United States and NATO is Russia's access to oil and military bases." He added.

Stephen Townsend said Moscow has strong ties with the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal, Khalifa Haftar..

The Pentagon is deeply concerned about Russia's deepening presence in Libya. Townsend said, "Moscow is constantly working to secure Russian investments at the expense of Africans, support corrupt regimes, and create a broader Russian military footprint worldwide."

Members of the Armed Services Committee at the Senate, expressed support at Thursday's hearing to retain more resources in Africa Command, where 5,100 U.S. troops are involved in the fight against terrorism.

Turkey is deploying Syrian mercenaries and Turkish troops in Libya, establishing an airport in Mei'tiqa, as well as military bases for the  Accord Government.

A.J

ANHA