Clashes between military in Turkish city – More than 20 dead – Photo

More than 20 Somali and Libyan soldiers were killed on Sunday in clashes at a military base in the western Turkish city of Isparta.

According to Turkish media, the incident followed growing tensions between Somali and Libyan soldiers trained in Turkey and is the first deadly clash between the two sides since Turkey began offering military training to Libyans and Somalis.

Fighting broke out at Temaş barracks in Isparta when a Libyan soldier allegedly stabbed a Somali colleague. Local media reported that 300-400 soldiers took part in the deadly clash as the two sides struck using irons, knives and other types of improvised weapons.

According to Turkish local media, several wounded soldiers were taken to Isparta Central Hospital shortly after the clash. More than 20 soldiers are said to have succumbed to their injuries.

🇱🇾|🇹🇷: 25 Somaliens et Libyens sont morts à Isparta en Turquie suite à un affrontement dans un camp militaire. pic.twitter.com/ng9oVcs8Dx

— WSN (@WSNXWSN) October 5, 2020

During the clash at the Temaş barracks on Sunday, a Turkish colonel was attacked when he tried to block both sides and stop the clashes.

So far, Turkish officials have not yet briefed the media on the deadly clash. It is noted that Turkey has been training foreign troops for some time, mainly Somalis, Syrians and Libyans.

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