Libyan civil war

Athens on Friday remained on increased diplomatic alert following recent developments in Libya where Turkey appears to be consolidating its presence and taking on a kingmaker role after halting Khalifa Haftar's forces which are waging a battle in the west of the country against the Tripoli-based government.

Senior Turkish and American officials have discussed attacks by the General Khalifa Haftar forces that have been escalating recently against the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli, Ankara said in a statement.

Turkey warned on Thursday against any attacks on its interests in Libya by Khalifa Haftar's forces after his Libyan National Army (LNA) threatened to respond to recent military setbacks by striking Turkish positions in the country.

"In the event Turkish interests in Libya are targeted, this will have very grave consequences," said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy.

Turkey reiterated on May 21 that it will respond to 'putschists Khalifa Haftar's elements in Libya as a legitimate target if they attack Turkey's interests' in the country.

Turkey has decided to freeze the assets of the Libyan Investment Authority and the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio in line with a decision by the United Nations Security Council.

The Libyan army on May 20 destroyed a Russian-made air defense system used by forces loyal to warlord Khalifa Haftar in the city of Terhune. 

The spokesman for Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar's forces announced early on May 20 that as of midnight they would be withdrawing 2-3 kilometers (around 1.8 miles) from fronts south of Tripoli. 

Ahmed Al-Mismari said on social media they will be pulling back so people in the capital can celebrate the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Libya's army on May 18 retook Al-Watiya airbase occupied by warlord Khalifa Haftar's militias, a key airbase now back under government control after some six years under putschist forces.

The victory was announced by the media office of the government-led Burkan Al-Ghadab (Volcano of Rage) Operation, citing Osama al-Juwaili, the commander of Operation Peace Storm.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg have discussed on the phone the recent developments in Libya and Syria as the latter reiterated the alliance continued to support to the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), which is under attack by General Khalifa Haftar's forces.

Any attack on Turkish missions in Libya by Khalifa Haftar's forces can expect a military response, the country's ruling party spokesman warned the renegade warlord on May 12.