Thu 18 June 2020:
Russia continues to push for strategic foothold on NATO’s southern flank at expense of civilian lives, says US AFRICOM
ANKARA (AA) – US Africa Command (AFRICOM) revealed new evidence of active Russian aircraft in Libyan airspace Thursday, saying it poses a risk for all civilians.
“Russia’s sustained involvement in Libya increases the violence and delays a political solution,” AFRICOM head of operations US Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Bradford Gering said in a statement. “Russia continues to push for a strategic foothold on NATO’s southern flank and this is at the expense of innocent Libyan lives.”
Gering voiced concerns about Russian manned and armed aircrafts “being flown by inexperienced, non-state Private military company mercenaries who will not adhere to international law.”
Two images of MiG-29 and Su-24 Russian aircrafts flying through Libya was shared by the command.
In late May, AFRICOM reported at least 14 MiG-29s and several Su-24s were flown from Russia to Syria, where their Russian markings were painted over to camouflage their Russian origin. The aircraft were then flown to Libya in direct violation of a UN arms embargo, according to the US.
“We know these fighters were not already in Libya and being repaired,” said Col. Chris Karns, director of AFRICOM public affairs.
“Clearly, they came from Russia. They didn’t come from any other country,” Karns said.
– 2,000 Wagner mercenaries in Libya
The command claimed Russia deployed fighter aircraft to Libya to support Russian mercenaries fighting for separatist warlord Khalifa Haftar against the UN-recognized, legitimate government of Libya.
“As the number one arms dealer in Africa, Russia continues to profit from violence and instability across the continent. Russian government backed PMCs, such as the Wagner Group, are active in sixteen countries across Africa. It is estimated that there are about 2,000 Wagner Group personnel in Libya,” it added.
Since April 2019, Haftar’s illegitimate forces have launched attacks on the Libyan capital of Tripoli and other parts of northwestern Libya, resulting in civilian chaos and more than 1,000 deaths.
However, the UN-recognized government of Libya has recently achieved significant victories, pushing Haftar forces out of Tripoli skirts and strategic city of Tarhuna.
Following the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya’s government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led political agreement.
By Beyza Binnur Donmez/ -Anadolu Agency
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