US air drills near Libyan base send warning to Russia
The USA conducted air exercises near the base of Russian mercenaries in Libya, sending a signal to Moscow regarding their disapproval of its influence in the region.
The US military command in Africa (Africom) organised air exercises at the end of February near the city of Sirte, where the Russian Wagner Group base is located. The aim of these manoeuvres was to convey a message of disapproval to Moscow concerning the strengthening of Russian influence in Libya.
Libyan officers from both sides of the divided country participated in the exercises, collaborating with the Americans in mission simulations using B-52H Stratofortress bombers.
The presence of these aircraft over Libya demonstrates that both the USA and Russia seek to enhance their influence in this strategically important region.
The Americans practise with bombers: a clear signal to Russia
Russia has maintained a presence in Libya for years, supporting Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who controls the eastern regions of the country. Despite pressure from the USA, Moscow has managed to consolidate its military infrastructure, including advanced air defence systems such as the S-400.
The United States is attempting to reduce Russian influence over Haftar by proposing military cooperation with the forces of western Libya. The aim of the USA is to protect Libyan oil infrastructure from Russian influence and to establish a barrier against further penetration by Moscow into the region.
Libya remains divided between the Government of National Accord in Tripoli and Haftar's Libyan National Army. This division permits external powers such as Russia, Turkey, and the USA to pursue their interests in the unstable country.
