Report Turkishmade Libyastanleygizmodo:
If you’ve ever wondered how autonomous weaponized drones could be programmed to hunt and attack a human target without instruction, this UN report may answer your questions. The United Nations Group of Experts on the Use of Weapons Control Methods made an astounding discovery in its investigation into unmanned aerial vehicles during the 2020 conflict in Libya. The report states “On 8 February, a Turkish-made autonomous weaponized drone ‘hunted down’ and attacked a human target without instructions to do so during a 2020 conflict in Libya. The drone, presumed to be operated by another country, was programmed to target a Libyan civilian extrajudicial execution target.
The drone was programmed with an “identification” of a person and a list of “infrastructure” attached to the individual. The individual, who could not be identified due it being a civilian and using the name of Haftar (no last name), had been listed as an ‘enemy.’ The identity of Haftar is well known in Libya since he is the head general of the Libyan National Army. The drone also had a list of “infrastructure” which included churches, hospitals, mosques, educational institutions and security buildings. It was programmed to target the four of these facilities.”
The report goes on to say: ** It should be noted that the target was confirmed by an airforce helicopter crew as being Haftar. The helicopter had been there by chance during the attack and took some footage. The attack on Haftar killed him and three other civilians nearby.
The five billion US dollar arms deal between Turkey and Libya (announced in January 2017) is the largest weapons sale in Turkish history. Turkey’s exports to Libya amounted to $127 million in 2015.
In 2016, Turkey delivered military equipment including assault rifles and under-barrel grenade launchers to Islamic militants in Syria. The equipment was then reportedly used by militants against US Special Forces soldiers near the town of al-Rai. According to a NATO official, the militants were armed with “heavy weapons … including anti-tank weapons, probably MANPADS.”
In October 2016, Turkey signed a deal worth $3.4 billion to supply Libya’s central authorities with additional light vehicles and military equipment. This was part of a larger Libyan arms contract worth approximately $7 billion that will provide multi-role combat aircraft, armoured vehicles and other weaponry as well as support training for Libya’s forces.
The Turkish military has been training the Libyan National Army since 2013. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has continued to train Libyan politicians, and has supplied electronic security systems to the Libyan Coast Guard. Turkey’s intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) is also working with security forces in Libya.
Libya is a main route for smuggling migrants from Africa and Asia into Europe. Turkey is also on an important route for ISIS fighters to enter Syria and Iraq. In addition, ISIS maintains an active presence in Libya.