Kremlin's airbridge moves mercenaries, weapons into Libya
The Kremlin has initiated an air bridge connecting Russia with the Al-Khadim base in eastern Libya, where Russian mercenaries are reportedly stationed, according to data from the Italian service Itamilradar, which tracks aircraft flights.
This air bridge is part of Moscow's broader strategy, focusing on eastern Libya following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.
Data from Itamilradar indicates that two Il-76TD aircraft, belonging to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, have made several flights between Russia and Libya. These aircraft are commonly used in defense ministry missions. These flights were facilitated with Turkey's consent, as it has not closed its airspace to Russian planes.
The strategic importance of Al-Khadim base
The Al-Khadim base is crucial for Russia's operations in the region. It serves as a hub to transfer equipment and personnel to mines controlled by the Wagner Group in the Central African Republic. From this base, Russia also smuggles weapons into Sudan, which is currently under an embargo. The base hosts Russian soldiers and mercenaries.
Russian activities in Libya
On Saturday, a Russian transport plane that had previously been stationed in Syria landed in Libya. A Syrian security official, quoted by Reuters, announced further transfers of Russian planes to Libya. Russia officially states that it is in talks with Syrian rebels to maintain its military bases in Syria.
In western Libya, which is controlled by the Government of National Accord, a Russian was arrested on charges of actions detrimental to public order. The Russian embassy has warned its citizens against traveling to the western part of Libya.
