23rd December 2024
The missiles were found by soldiers of the UN-backed government

The missiles were found by soldiers of the UN-backed government

France has denied breaching a UN arms embargo after four of its anti-tank missiles were found on a base loyal to a rogue Libyan general.

The country’s defence ministry says the “unusable” US-made Javelin missiles were never intended to be passed to any group, and were due to be destroyed.

However, they were discovered in a camp south of the capital Tripoli, used by forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar.

Gen Haftar’s forces are currently fighting for control of the city.

The battle for Tripoli – home of the internationally recognised government – began when Gen Haftar’s forces launched an attack in April, with hundreds killed in the months since.

The four missiles were discovered in June when forces loyal to the UN-backed government overran the camp, prompting an investigation in Washington.

France admitted the weapons – which can be used against tanks and other vehicles – belonged to them in a statement on Wednesday.

“These weapons were for the protection of forces undertaking intelligence and counter-terror missions,” the defence ministry statement said.

It added the missiles were “damaged and unusable” and “being temporarily stocked at a depot ahead of their destruction”.

France has always denied arming Gen Haftar’s forces, but has offered diplomatic support.

bbc.com

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