Italy’s Nova agency reports that Russia is bolstering its military foothold in Libya. Troops and equipment have been moved to the Maaten Al Sarra air base, strategically positioned by the Chad and Sudan borders. The base will serve as a logistics hub for military operations in Africa, aiming to support Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan in Moscow’s broader strategic interests.
According to reports from the Italian news agency Nova, Russia is enhancing its military presence in Libya by transferring troops and equipment to the Maaten Al Sarra air base, which is strategically located near the borders of Chad and Sudan. This air base, historically significant from the Libyan-Chadian conflict in the 1980s, now plays a central role in Russia’s operations aimed at expanding control over the Sahel region, which has become a focal point of Moscow’s geopolitical strategy.
In December 2024, the Russian Federation reportedly dispatched a contingent of Syrian soldiers to recommission the Maaten Al Sarra base. The intent is to convert this site into a strategic hub for military activities within Africa, facilitating direct logistics and support operations to assist nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and possibly Sudan, as Russia seeks to re-establish its influence on the continent following setbacks in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.
The report also detailed how personnel aligned with the Bashar al-Assad regime who are fleeing Syria have initiated cooperation with Russian technicians to restore the base’s operational status. Renovations include vital infrastructure upgrades such as runways and storage facilities. This base is anticipated to become a crucial logistics center for Russian military engagements in Africa, significantly enhancing supply channels to coastal regions.
Furthermore, the agency noted a significant aspect of Russia’s strategy involves increasing relations with tribal entities in Southern Libya. This is indicative of Russia’s approach to forge alliances with local tribes, marking a new chapter in its African expansion efforts, particularly in light of diminished presence in Syria.
According to the Italian agency, a military convoy from the Tariq bin Ziyad Battalion, which aligns with Saddam Haftar, has moved toward the Al-Sara base to secure the area and maintain routes leading into Sudan. The agency disclosed that Russia is distancing itself from the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Hemedti, to cultivate stronger ties with Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Russian military operations have intensified across its four principal air bases in Libya: Al-Khadim in the east, Al-Jufra in the center, Brak Al-Shati to the southwest of Sabha, and Al-Qardabiya located in the central area of Sirte.
The increasing military presence of Russia in Libya is a significant development in the context of global geopolitical shifts. With Moscow’s intent to bolster its influence across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, the strategic positioning at the Maaten Al Sarra base facilitates military logistics and operational support to neighboring countries affected by instability and conflict. This expansion follows a notable reduction in Russian military operations in Syria, prompting a reallocation of resources and strategic focus. The interplay between local tribal alliances and Russian military presence indicates a calculated approach towards establishing a foothold in a region of growing importance.
In summary, the transfer of Russian military capabilities to the Maaten Al Sarra air base marks a significant escalation of Moscow’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa, especially in the Sahel region. Through cooperation with local tribes and the establishment of logistical support systems, Russia aims to enhance its operational capabilities and alliances in the continent. The evolving dynamics between Russian forces and local actors are critical to understanding the reshaping of geopolitical landscapes in Africa.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
