The Wall Street Journal has reported that Turkey is seeking to persuade Russia to cooperate in Libya, after weeks of forming a military partnership with Russia to share control of areas in northern Syria.

The US newspaper quoted what it said informed sources as saying that Ankara is wary of slipping into a proxy war with Moscow because the latter provides support for Haftar despite its recognition of the government in Tripoli.

"Turkey would like to establish some form of coordination with Russia regarding Libya. Moscow may be persuaded to withdraw Russian mercenaries fighting alongside Haftar," the newspaper added.

News