Russia’s intentions to establish a naval base in eastern Libya have raised concerns in the U.S. about the potential for extensive surveillance of the European Union....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Bloomberg, citing informed sources, reported that negotiations are ongoing to solidify a defence agreement between Vladimir Putin and the commander of Libya’s eastern forces, Khalifa Haftar. These talks gained momentum after their meeting in Moscow in late September…CONTINUE READING>>
Khalifa Haftar, who controls significant oil facilities in Libya, an OPEC member with about 40% of Africa’s oil reserves, requires air defence systems to protect against rival forces in Tripoli backed by the Turkish military. He also seeks training for Air Force and special forces pilots.
In return, it is anticipated that several air bases currently housing Wagner PMC fighters will be repurposed to host Russian troops, as reported by Bloomberg.
Sources familiar with the discussions between Haftar and Putin suggest that Russian warships may secure permanent berthing rights in one of Libya’s ports, with Tobruk being a likely candidate.
Tobruk’s proximity to Greece and Italy, just across the Mediterranean, adds to the strategic significance of this move.
Former U.S. Special Envoy to Libya, Jonathan Wiener, underscores the gravity with which the U.S. administration views this development, noting, “Keeping Russia out of the Mediterranean was a key strategic objective—if Russia gains ports in the region, it will have the capability to surveil the entire European Union.”
As of now, Russia has a single naval base in the Mediterranean, situated in Tartus, Syria. Additionally, Moscow is actively pursuing the establishment of a naval base on the Red Sea in Sudan.
This base would grant Russia permanent access to the Suez Canal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Peninsula. However, the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan poses a potential hurdle to these plans…CONTINUE READING>>
