Hundreds of Russian and Syrian mercenaries and military contractors are reportedly evacuating from the frontlines in Libya, according to statements from forces backing the unity government on Monday. This claim comes after Russia-backed renegade commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces faced a series of setbacks in combat zones south of Tripoli. Libyan leaders have described the withdrawal of Russian forces as “very meaningful”.
Meanwhile, the US Africa Command has accused Russia of deploying disguised fighter aircrafts to the war-torn country to support Haftar’s offensive against the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). The allegation came after Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that the country had backed an immediate ceasefire and was negotiating talks between governing authorities. The US has cited claims from the Libyan Interior Minister that Russia had transferred 6 MiG-29 fighters and 2 Su-24 attack jets to the Al Jufra airbase to support Haftar. This happened soon after the LNA lost the strategic Al Watiya airfield to the GNA in an Ankara-supported move.
Hanan Salah, an expert from the Human Rights Watch, has said that, although ceasefire violations have been committed by both sides, the majority have been committed by Haftar’s forces and the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization. She further added that although the UN has made arms sanctions efforts in Libya, they are bound to fail if Security Council members and their allies breach the regime. The Kremlin has consistently denied the presence of its troops in the country.
Libya has been engaged in a civil war between the Tripoli-based GNA and Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The LNA launched a full offensive against Tripoli in April 2019. Turkey backs the GNA and has deployed troops in the country since April in a military cooperation deal, being the government’s primary and most important ally in its fight against the rebels. On the other hand, the LNA has been backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, apart from Russia.
Image Source: Daily Sabah
Russian Mercenaries Evacuate Libya, US Accuses Moscow of Sending Warplanes to Haftar
May 27, 2020
