U.S. flexes military muscle in Libya to counter Russian sway
The U.S. conducted air exercises near the base of Russian mercenaries in Libya, signaling to Moscow its disapproval of Russian influence in the region.
The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) organized air exercises at the end of February near the city of Sirte, where the Russian Wagner Group base is located. The maneuvers aimed to communicate to Moscow that the U.S. does not accept the strengthening of Russian influence in Libya.
Libyan officers from both sides of the divided country participated in the exercises, collaborating with Americans in simulated missions using B-52H Stratofortress bombers.
The presence of these aircraft over Libya indicates that both the U.S. and Russia are attempting to enhance their influence in this strategically important region.
Americans train with bombers: a clear signal to Russia
Russia has been active in Libya for years, supporting Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who controls the eastern regions of the country. Despite U.S. pressure, Moscow has succeeded in consolidating its military infrastructure, including the deployment of advanced air defense systems such as the S-400.
The United States is working to diminish Russian influence on Haftar by offering military cooperation with forces in western Libya. The U.S. aims to protect Libyan oil infrastructure from Russian influence and establish a barrier to further Russian penetration of the region.
Libya remains divided between the Government of National Accord in Tripoli and Haftar’s Libyan National Army. This division allows external powers, such as Russia, Turkey, and the U.S., to pursue their own interests in the unstable country.
