Libya, Algeria slam Turkey over arms shipment

The Turkish arms shipment that was delivered to Libya threatens the country and region, charged an Algerian security official.

He told the daily al-Watan newspaper that the purpose of such activity is to not only destabilize Libya, but send such an arsenal to unstable regions, including Algeria.

The rockets and 48 million rounds of ammunition that were recently discovered on the Algerian-Libyan border are “a real declaration of war against us,” he continued.

“The military and security forces are on highest alert to confront any attempt to undermine our security,” he stressed.

Al-Watan also quoted official sources as saying that a plot was underway to destabilize the Maghreb countries, wondering whether the chaos plaguing the Middle East will spread to Africa.

Last week, Libyan authorities at al-Khoms port announced the discovery of two containers that were loaded with arms from Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had also arrived in Libya Saturday for a surprise visit where he held talks with head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj.

Meanwhile, media aide to the parliament speaker Fathi al-Mariami condemned Cavusoglu’s visit, saying it aims at “covering up for the weapons shipment that was headed to terrorist and outlawed groups.”

He revealed that the parliament will discuss whether to take measures against Turkey. It will also demand an international probe in the arms shipment.