Russia Moves Military Assets from Syria to Libya, Raising Concerns in Italy
Russia Shifts Military Focus to Libya, raising Concerns in Mediterranean
Rome – Italy’s defense minister has sounded the alarm over Russia’s reported military buildup in Libya, warning that the move poses a important security threat to the central Mediterranean. guido Crosetto told Italian daily La Repubblica that Moscow is transferring resources from its Syrian base at Tartus to Libya, a progress he described as “not a good thing.”
“Russian ships and submarines in the Mediterranean are always a concern, and even more so if instead of being 1,000 kilometers away thay are two steps from us,” Crosetto said, highlighting the proximity of Libya to Italian shores.
This shift comes in the wake of the collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad’s regime, forcing Russian forces backing him to relocate personnel and material to two bases in the country: Tartus, a key naval port, and Hmeimim air base.
Losing access to Tartus woudl deprive Russia of a crucial Mediterranean naval base, making Libya an attractive choice. While there is currently no evidence of naval vessels heading for Libya, analyst Jalel Harchaoui of the Royal United Services Institute in London notes a surge in Russian flights arriving in the country.
“Russian activity in Libya has been more intense of late,” Harchaoui said. “Three cargo flights recently arrived from Belarus, as well as at least one cargo flight direct from Russia, which reminds us that Syria was a very useful stepping stone for flights from Russia to africa, but not essential.”
Moscow already maintains military bases in eastern Libya, serving as staging posts for troops and supplies destined for military coup leaders in sub-Saharan Africa.
Harchaoui believes that even if Russia retains a presence in Syria, it will likely seek to replicate its level of comfort in Libya. “If they do move into Tobruk, it would be seen as a brazen gesture by NATO and the U.S., and a sign that [Libyan General Khalifa] Haftar is no longer even pretending to listen to the West,” he said. “The question is, will the U.S. and the U.K.then use coercion?”
Ben Fishman, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, echoed these concerns, stating, “I would be totally unsurprised if Russia is moving assets to Libya – they have been courting Haftar precisely for scenarios like this.”
The potential for increased Russian military activity in Libya raises serious questions about regional stability and the balance of power in the Mediterranean.
US Seeks Libyan Unification as Russia’s Influence Grows
Benghazi, Libya – As Russia faces setbacks in Syria, concerns are mounting over its growing military presence in Libya, potentially complicating US efforts to unify the fractured North african nation.
Recent meetings between US officials and Khalifa Haftar, the powerful military leader who controls eastern Libya, highlight Washington’s desire for a unified Libya. US Chargé d’affaires Jeremy Berndt met with two of Haftar’s sons in Benghazi this week, keeping communication channels open.
While there’s no formal agreement between Haftar and Russia for a military presence, experts say Moscow’s influence is expanding through informal arrangements.
“Russia’s access to Libya has come through informal agreements and understandings that it will supply training and equipment to Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA),” says Mohamed Eljarh, a Benghazi-based analyst.
Eljarh suggests that Haftar might potentially be temporarily accommodating Russia’s increased presence due to Moscow’s weakened position in Syria. Though, he emphasizes Haftar’s history of pushing back against Russian overreach.
“LNA contacts tell me reports have been exaggerated,” Eljarh says. “They are sending signals to the US saying, ‘We are worried you are targeting us with all this exaggerated media campaign – please make your intentions clear.'”
Amid these developments, analysts warn against overlooking Turkey’s role in Libya. Ankara provides crucial military support to the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, raising questions about its stance on Russia’s growing influence.
“you would need Turkish acquiescence here,” says Claudia Gazzini, a Libya expert at the Crisis Group. “I cannot imagine the Turks and the Russians have not discussed the matter.What have been the contours of that conversation?”
The delicate balance of power in Libya, with competing international interests at play, makes the path to unification increasingly complex. As Russia’s footprint expands, the US faces a challenging diplomatic landscape in its pursuit of a stable and unified Libya.
Russia’s Mediterranean Moves: A Conversation with dr. Elena Petrova
NewsDicrectory3.com – Concerns are mounting in Rome and across the Mediterranean as Russia reportedly shifts its military focus from Syria to Libya. In an exclusive interview, NewsDirectory3.com spoke with Dr. Elena Petrova, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy at the Institute for International Affairs in Rome, to unpack the implications of this strategic move.
NewsDirectory3.com: Dr. Petrova, Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, has expressed alarm over Russia’s reported military buildup in Libya, citing it as a notable security threat. What is your assessment of the situation?
Dr. Petrova: Minister Crosetto’s concerns are certainly warranted. Russia’s increasing military presence in Libya is a clear sign of its ambitions in the Mediterranean. While the scale of the troop and equipment transfer from Tartus is still unclear, the strategic implications are undeniable.
NewsDirectory3.com: could you elaborate on these strategic implications?
Dr. Petrova: Firstly, a stronger Russian presence in Libya gives Moscow a foothold in a strategically vital region.Libya’s location provides access to crucial sea lanes and valuable oil resources. Secondly,it allows Russia to project power closer to Europe,challenging NATO’s southern flank. This move could also be seen as an attempt to solidify Russia’s influence in North Africa, a region historically seen as within the French sphere of influence.
NewsDirectory3.com: We’ve seen Russia’s involvement in Syria wind down following the collapse of the Assad regime. Is this shift to Libya a sign of Russia’s pivot away from the Middle East?
dr. Petrova: Not necessarily. While Syria no longer holds the same strategic importance for Russia, Moscow remains committed to maintaining a presence in the region. The transfer of resources to Libya should be seen as a strategic diversification, allowing Russia to leverage its influence in multiple theaters.
NewsDirectory3.com: What potential consequences could this Russian move have on the already volatile situation in Libya?
Dr.Petrova: This is a critical point. Libya is already plagued by political instability and factional violence. Russia’s increased military presence could exacerbate these tensions, potentially reigniting conflict and further destabilizing the region.
NewsDirectory3.com: What options are available to address this growing concern?
Dr.Petrova: International cooperation is crucial. European nations, particularly Italy, need to work closely with their allies to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing further militarization of Libya.
NewsDirectory3.com:
Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for shedding light on this complex geopolitical situation.
Dr. Petrova:
My pleasure. It is indeed essential that the international community remains vigilant and proactive in addressing this significant development in the Mediterranean.