Russia's covert arms shipments bolster Haftar in Libya
An Interpol investigation has revealed that Russia is using old ships to smuggle weapons for Marshal Haftar's forces in Libya. These operations are conducted under the flags of exotic countries, making them difficult to detect.
Main information
- Interpol has discovered that Russia is smuggling weapons to Libya using a fleet of ageing ships.
- These ships operate 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, ongoing since last year, revealed that Russia is using old ships to smuggle weapons to Libya. These ships operate under the flags of exotic countries, enabling them to avoid sanctions and making 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 DW, ships destined for Tobruk in eastern Libya are delivering weapons from Russian ports on the Black Sea. Some of this equipment reaches the Libyan National Army, while some is directed to the Rapid Support Forces fighting in Sudan. Ports in Libya are also utilised to support military juntas in Africa.
One of the ships being used is the Barbaros, a freighter sailing under the Cameroonian flag. It was spotted early in 2024 while passing through the Bosphorus Strait. Interpol found dozens of military trucks on board. The Barbaros has changed its name and flag multiple times, complicating efforts to track it.
Consequences for the region
Russian engagement in Libyan ports increased following 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 expanded the number of dangerous vessels at sea. Many of these ships sail under the flags of African countries, making them difficult to identify and control.
