Foreign powers are piling into Libya

THE WOUNDS of Libyan militiamen defending the UN-backed “government of national accord” (GNA) in Tripoli are changing, along with the battle they are fighting. Shrapnel used to be the cause of most of the casualties around the Libyan capital. But lately the fallen have been shot through the head, says a foreign diplomat. On the other side of the fight, Russian snipers have teamed up with the self-styled Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Haftar, who laid siege to Tripoli in April hoping to dislodge the government. The front lines are moving for the first time in months.

Countries such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have long supported Mr Haftar with guns and money. But Russia’s backing is a game-changer, say Western diplomats. It has helped Mr Haftar consolidate his hold on the east and south, home to most of the country’s oilfields (see map), and may tip the balance in Tripoli. But Russia’s presence may also be drawing in other foreign powers. America accused Russia or its local allies of shooting down one of its drones last month. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey says he might send troops to defend the GNA, if invited.