A UN report accusing SADAT, an unofficial military group with close ties to the ruling Erdogan Government, of violating the arms embargo on Libya and training 5,000 Syrian opposition fighters has been brought to the Turkish Parliament’s attention.
Cengiz Çiçek, a member of the DEM Party, introduced the UN report on SADAT to the parliamentary agenda, calling for the establishment of a Parliamentary Investigation Commission to examine SADAT and similar organizations. The report alleges that SADAT was involved in transporting Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants to Libya.
Çiçek raised concerns about SADAT (International Defense Consultancy Construction Industry and Trade Inc.) allegedly violating the arms embargo in Libya, citing findings from a United Nations (UN) report.
He called for a commission to investigate the claims made in the 2021 and 2023 UN reports. In his proposal, Çiçek stated:
‘FSA MILITANTS TRANSPORTED TO LIBYA BY SADAT’ “According to the French Intelligence Research Center, SADAT operates in at least 22 Muslim countries. It is alleged that SADAT provided assistance to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord in Libya against forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar.
PUTIN’S INVOLVEMENT The Federal News Agency, known for its ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed that SADAT transported Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants to Libya.
A report prepared by Russia for the United Nations alleges that SADAT provided training to opposition groups fighting in Syria. In 2015, Russia launched an investigation into 900 mercenaries who traveled to Iraq and Syria, claiming many had direct ties to SADAT.
There have been media reports that SADAT operates armed training camps in several regions, particularly in Tokat and Konya, and that it facilitated the delivery of weapons to the Salafi group Al-Nusra.
Finally, the 548-page 2021 report and the 289-page 2023 report from the UN detail when and how Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo.”
UN REPORT ON SADAT AND TURKEY Referencing the 2021 and 2023 UN reports, Çiçek outlined the following allegations against Turkey:
ARM SHIPMENTS VIA “GHOST SHIPS”
- The “Çirkin,” a Tanzanian-flagged ship operated by Eurasia Shipping Company and escorted by Turkish military vessels, allegedly violated the arms embargo set by Article 9 of UNSC Resolution 1970 by transporting prohibited military materials to Libya.
- Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending ASELSAN Koral Electronic Warfare Systems to Libya on October 23, 2019.
- On January 17, 2020, Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending six MIM-23 and Korkut Air Defense Systems to Libya.
- Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by transporting Roketsan UMTAS Anti-tank Defense Systems to Libya on January 27, 2020.
- On March 21, 2020, Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending FNSS ACV-15 combat vehicles and Fırtına howitzers to Libya.
- On April 19, 2020, Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending TAI Anka UAVs to Libya.
- Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by transporting STM Kargu-2 ammunition to Libya on May 27, 2020.
- On July 18, 2020, Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending Roketsan T-122 Sakarya MLRS to Libya.
- On October 9, 2020, Turkey allegedly violated the arms embargo by sending 120 mm mortars to Libya.
