The International Consortium for Investigative Journalists has disclosed Russian maritime operations, particularly arms trafficking to Libya via a ghost fleet that utilizes deceptive tactics for evasion. The growing presence of Russia in Libya is alarming for Europe, as noted in various reports, indicating a serious security concern that demands urgent attention.
Recent investigations by the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists have uncovered significant Russian maritime activities in the Mediterranean, particularly in relation to arms trafficking and the transportation of contraband. These activities involve the use of commercial vessels, often referred to as a ghost fleet, employing various evasive tactics to transport Russian equipment to Libya, amid rising European concerns regarding Russian influence in the region.
In a detailed report regarding the ship Barbaros, Interpol revealed that the vessel had manipulated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to obscure its location. It had changed its name multiple times and registered under different flags on numerous occasions since 2013. The report suggested that the ship “may be carrying firearms destined for Libya” and called for increased monitoring by authorities.
This Russian ghost fleet contributes to Moscow’s financial gains by circumventing Western sanctions on oil sales. As observed, these vessels frequently disable their AIS to avoid detection, especially when near the Syrian port of Tartus, a Russian naval base. Instances have been reported where vessels misrepresented their locations, including one that erroneously transmitted its position as being on land, contradicting its maritime operations.
Despite the apparent turmoil within Russia, characterized by a struggling economy and military, the state manages to sustain such operations. A leaked EU naval mission briefing indicated that, by mid-2024, Russian flights to Libya had already equaled those of the entire previous year, illustrating a formalized Russian military presence in the region, which now includes the Africa Corps, a military unit under the command of Russia’s military, replacing the Wagner Group mercenaries.
Russia’s increasing involvement in Libya poses a significant security threat for Europe, particularly given Libya’s strategic location as a migration route. This precarious situation is exemplified in an internal summary which stated, “It’s a testament to Western strategic negligence,” as the country becomes a military foothold for Russian operations, potentially endangering European security mere miles from NATO borders.
In summary, Russia’s maritime activities in the Mediterranean, particularly its arms trafficking to Libya, raise critical security concerns for Europe. The manipulation of identity and location by Russian vessels illustrates the lengths to which they will go to evade detection and sanctions. The growing Russian presence, notably through military units like the Africa Corps, highlights the need for intensified vigilance from European authorities regarding the strategic stability of the region.
Original Source: www.esquire.com
