Russia’s Ghost Fleet: A Strategic Threat in Libya
The article discusses how Russia employs aging commercial vessels from its “ghost fleet” to send military supplies to Khalifa Haftar in Libya, circumventing international sanctions. Increased activities include a suspicious cargo ship, the Barbaros, carrying military trucks. European officials express growing concerns over Russia’s influence in Libya and its implications for regional stability and European security.
Recent revelations indicate that Russia has been utilizing vessels from its so-called “ghost fleet” to illegally deliver military supplies to Libya, specifically aiding the warlord Khalifa Haftar. A notable incident involved a Cameroonian-flagged cargo ship, the Barbaros, which traveled from Russia to Libya’s Tobruk port. This voyage was flagged as suspicious when maritime analyst Yörük Işık posted photographs of the ship, which was suspected to be transporting military trucks manufactured by a sanctioned Russian company.
Following Işık’s observations, the European Union naval mission, known as Operation Irini, sprang into action, detailing the tactics used by various commercial vessels to disguise their operations. These tactics included altering ship identifiers and manipulating tracking systems to evade detection. A report by Interpol noted that the Barbaros had switched its name multiple times and changed its registration frequently, raising further suspicions about its cargo, which included potential military supplies.
As the situation unfolded, the Barbaros was eventually boarded by Operation Irini on May 1, 2024, revealing 115 Russian-made trucks onboard. Although these trucks were not specifically modified for military purposes, the EU mission acknowledged a concerning trend towards increased militarization in Libya. Moscow has been implicated in ongoing support for Haftar’s forces, which have been accused of numerous human rights violations, including war crimes.
Despite the troubling developments, Western officials are hesitant to impose sanctions on Haftar. A high-level meeting was conducted between U.S. and Libyan officials just months after the Barbaros arrived in Europe. The EU’s response has included a recognition of the need to engage with institutions linked to Haftar, as officials fear that failure to do so could allow Russia to expand its influence in the region.
An analysis by Anas El Gomati from the Sadeq Institute further underscores the implications of Russia’s growing role in Libya, characterizing it as an effort to control migration routes and establish a military presence near European territories. This has raised alarm among European authorities who now interpret Libya as a pressing security threat due to the Russian intervention and its impact on regional stability.
Recent intelligence reports indicate a marked increase in Russian military activity in Libya, with the number of flights soaring in early 2024. Russian operators have transitioned control from the Wagner Group to a more formal military unit, reflecting a shift towards a more established military foothold. The documents also suggest that Libya serves as a key strategic link for Russia, allowing it to extend its influence across Africa.
In conclusion, the utilization of Russia’s ghost fleet to transport military equipment to Libya demonstrates the Kremlin’s strategic interests within the region. This illicit trafficking not only threatens Libya’s stability but also poses significant security challenges for Europe, as the nation becomes a pivotal point for both military influence and migration issues.
The utilization of ghost ships by Russia to send military supplies to Libya underscores a clear strategy aimed at expanding its influence in the region, while manipulating maritime practices to evade international sanctions. The partnership with Khalifa Haftar, alongside ongoing military operations, signifies a potential threat to European security and regional stability. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated response from Western nations to address the broader implications of Russian activities in Libya.
Original Source: www.icij.org
