Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar’s capture of the strategic city of Sirte on Monday was a major setback for Tripoli’s UN-recognised government, analysts say. The fresh advance by Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army comes as Turkey deploys troops — 35 so far, in a training capacity — to bolster the beleaguered Government of National Accord. Sirte was controlled by forces loyal to the GNA after they expelled Islamic State jihadists from the coastal city in 2016.
