Russia is employing aging vessels from its “ghost fleet” to deliver military equipment to Khalifa Haftar in Libya. The EU mission Operation Irini aims to prevent arms shipments to the conflict-fraught region, yet tactics such as AIS manipulation complicate enforcement. While Russian influence in Libya grows, the West faces challenges in addressing stability and security risks posed by this presence.
The Kremlin is reportedly utilizing vessels from its “ghost fleet” to deliver military equipment to Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan strongman, as documented in leaked files. This fleet consists of aging commercial ships with obscured ownership, allowing Russia to evade sanctions. Notably, the Cameroonian-flagged cargo vessel, Barbaros, was seen transporting military-use trucks from Russia to a Libyan port controlled by Haftar, despite concerns over international arms embargoes.
Yörük Işık, a maritime analyst, highlighted the suspicious cargo of the Barbaros, which prompted a response from European law enforcement. Operations led by the EU naval mission, Operation Irini, aimed to curb arms transfers to Libya, where the U.N. has reported crimes against humanity associated with Haftar’s forces. The leaked documents reveal that these vessels have employed deceptive tactics, such as manipulating their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to mask their movements, thus complicating tracking efforts.
On May 1, 2024, Operation Irini intercepted the Barbaros, finding 115 Russian-made trucks, which, while used by militaries, had not been modified for military purposes, permitting the ship to proceed. This shipment has been viewed as indicative of the escalating militarization in the region amidst rising Russian influence, according to various European officials. Haftar has received extensive support from Moscow, strengthening their strategic foothold in Libya despite Western awareness of his alleged war crimes.
Additionally, warmer U.S.-Libya relations highlight a juxtaposition; even as Haftar faces civil lawsuits in the U.S. for human rights violations, U.S. officials, including Africa Command leadership, have engaged directly with him. European stakeholders perceive Russia’s growing foothold in Libya as a substantial threat, noting the necessity for proactivity to counter Moscow’s strategies, particularly with respect to migration and regional instability.
Leaked briefings indicate a notable increase in Russian military activities in Libya, with reports of formalized present Russian military units and flights that supersede the previous year. The operations involve the Africa Corps, which succeeded the Wagner Group, reinforcing Russia’s military logistics across Africa. Moreover, Russia’s ventures extend beyond Libya, impacting nations like Niger and the Central African Republic due to historical ties and strategic partnerships.
Ultimately, Libyan instability and the associated Russian presence raise immediate security concerns for Europe, prompting apprehension regarding regional repercussions as Russia establishes this foothold a mere 400 miles from NATO’s borders. As underscored by experts, there is a prevailing sense of Western negligence regarding the emergent geopolitical landscape.
In summary, Russia’s utilization of its ghost fleet for military shipments to Libya underscores a broader strategic maneuver to exert influence in the region. The ongoing logistical operations enable Moscow to circumvent sanctions while serving Haftar’s regime, contributing to escalating tensions and regional instability. Given the implications for European security, stakeholders express urgency for heightened vigilance and engagement to counteract these developments.
Original Source: www.icij.org
