Chapter Seven: Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

Turkey’s armed forces continued operations in Syria, conducting airstrikes and ground operations in early 2020 to halt government advances in Idlib province. Turkey’s military capabilities were also deployed in Libya, supporting the Tripoli-based recognised government. Meanwhile, General Khalifa Haftar’s forces obtained support from Egypt, Russia and the UAE. External actors helped improve the military potential of warring parties, and their sustained involvement indicated growing operational capacity.