Russia’s Ghost Fleet Fuels Military Support for Khalifa Haftar in Libya

The article discusses Russia’s covert operations involving its ghost fleet to supply military equipment to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar. Leaked documents reveal the Barbaros, a cargo ship, transporting military-use trucks while evading detection. Despite findings that did not violate the arms embargo, Europe’s concern about Russia’s influence has grown, leading to strategic implications for Western nations. The involvement of Russian forces in Libya underscores significant geopolitical dynamics and security risks for Europe.

The Kremlin is reportedly utilizing its “ghost fleet”—a collection of aging commercial vessels with hidden ownership—to transport military supplies to Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan warlord. Documents reveal that one such ship, the Cameroonian-flagged Barbaros, left Russia with cargo headed to eastern Libya. The Barbaros’ surveillance by maritime analyst Yörük Işık revealed it was carrying military-use trucks manufactured by a sanctioned Russian firm.

European naval mission Operation Irini documents expose how these ghost ships cleverly evade detection while facilitating Russia’s military supply operations in Libya. The shipment of military equipment raises concerns regarding Russia’s growing influence in the region, as this activity is perceived as part of a larger strategy to enhance Moscow’s presence in the Mediterranean and Africa.

The Barbaros was boarded by Operation Irini on May 1, 2024, where it was found carrying 115 Russian-made military-use trucks not specifically modified for military applications. Therefore, the shipment did not violate the arms embargo; nonetheless, it indicates a troubling trend of increased militarization in the region. Despite ongoing accusations against Haftar’s forces of human rights violations, Western nations have not ostracized him, as highlighted by recent meetings between U.S. officials and the commander.

European concerns about Russia’s influence in Libya have prompted calls for increased engagement with Haftar’s institutions. Anas El Gomati, director of the Sadeq Institute, noted that Russia is strategically situated to control migrant trafficking routes and extend naval operations near Europe, emphasizing Moscow’s geopolitical objectives in Libya amidst the backdrop of NATO tensions in Ukraine.

Evidence suggests that Russian activities in Libya have surged since early 2024, with increased military flights and presence observed by EU naval mission authorities. Notably, the Wagner Group’s mercenaries have been replaced by the Africa Corps, indicating an official consolidation of Russian military involvement in Libya. The ramifications of this heightened influence are significant, as Moscow’s support extends beyond military aid to economic partnerships in resource-rich African countries.

While other nations have similarly contravened the arms embargo, Russia’s current actions illustrate a strategic shift following the decline of its Syrian ally. Reports indicate that Russia is managing logistics for weapons transfers and military personnel between Syria and Libya, with increasing numbers of Russian troops stationed there. These developments pose an urgent security concern for Europe due to Libya’s migration routes and potential destabilization linked to Russian military infrastructure.

In summary, Russia’s use of its ghost fleet to deliver military equipment to Khalifa Haftar reveals a deliberate strategy to enhance its military and economic influence in Libya. This situation, coupled with Western strategic oversight, poses significant risks for European security. As Russia expands its military presence and engages in regional resource exploitation, the dynamics in Libya represent an immediate concern for international stability and security.

Original Source: www.icij.org