Russia's covert arms trade with Haftar via ghost ships
An Interpol investigation reveals that Russia is using old ships to smuggle weapons for Marshal Haftar's forces in Libya. These operations are carried out under the flags of exotic countries, making them difficult to detect.
Main information
- Interpol discovered that Russia is smuggling weapons to Libya using a fleet of old ships.
- These ships sail under the flags of exotic countries, making them difficult to identify.
- The weapons reach the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who controls the eastern part of Libya.
The Interpol investigation, conducted since the previous year, revealed that Russia is using old ships to smuggle weapons to Libya. These ships sail under the flags of exotic countries, which allows them to avoid sanctions and makes them difficult to detect. The weapons smuggled by the Russians are reaching the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who controls the eastern part of Libya.
According to the Polish Press Agency, ships heading to Tobruk in eastern Libya deliver weapons from Russian ports on the Black Sea. Some of this equipment reaches the Libyan National Army, and some goes to the Rapid Support Forces fighting in Sudan. Ports in Libya are also used to support military juntas in Africa.
One of the ships used is the Barbaros, a freighter under the Cameroonian flag. It was spotted at the beginning of 2024 while crossing the Bosphorus Strait. Interpol discovered dozens of military trucks on board. Barbaros has changed its name and flag several times, making it difficult to track.
Consequences for the region
Russian engagement in Libyan ports increased after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. The new authorities in Damascus denied Russia access to naval bases, prompting Moscow to intensify its activities in Libya. This involvement allows Russia to control migrant smuggling routes to Europe.
Russia's decision to use old ships after the invasion of Ukraine has increased the number of dangerous vessels at sea. Many of them sail under the flags of African countries, making them difficult to identify and control.
