The Libyan National Army (LNA) announced that has bolstered its forces that are taking part in the military operations to cleanse Tripoli from terrorist and criminal gangs that are allied to Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA). Sarraj was, meanwhile, in Istanbul where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A source from the LNA told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sarraj sought during his surprise trip on Friday to “compensate for the major losses incurred by his militias during recent battles.” He therefore, sought more Turkish military support. Erdogan called during his meeting with Sarraj on the LNA to end its “illegitimate” attacks against Tripoli. He made his call two days after the LNA announced that it had destroyed the main control room for Turkish drones that are operated from the military section of Tripoli’s Mitiga airport. A statement from Sarraj’s office said he discussed with Erdogan the developments in Libya and regional affairs, as well as opportunities for cooperation between their countries. He also voiced his appreciation for Turkey’s opposition to the offensive against Tripoli and its keenness on ensuring the success of the political settlement. Separately, commander of the LNA’s western operations, Abdul Salam al-Hassi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the morale of the army was “more than excellent.” “You will hear good news within the next two days,” he revealed. On Turkey’s support for pro-Sarraj forces, he remarked: “We have so far destroyed four Turkish drones. Earlier this week, our defenses downed another jet and its pilot was killed.” “We reign supreme over Tripoli’s airspace,” he stressed. “We are ready for all possibilities and we will confront any foreign intervention on the ground, even from the Ottoman Turk himself,” Hassi said in reference to Erdogan. “We are protecting our country, not assaulting anyone. This flagrant Turkish meddling does not require evidence.”