Italy’s Nova news agency reported that Russia is amplifying its military presence in Libya by modernizing the Maaten Al Sarra base, located near the borders with Chad and Sudan. This development involves cooperation with Syrian military defectors and aims to create a significant logistic point for operations across the Sahel region, echoing Moscow’s broader objectives in Africa.
According to the Italian news agency Nova, Russia is significantly augmenting its military presence in Libya by relocating troops and equipment to the Maaten Al Sarra base, situated at the border with Chad and Sudan. This air base, which previously played a strategic role during the 1980s Libyan-Chadian war, is now crucial for Russia’s operation to exert influence over the Sahel region, reflecting Moscow’s growing geopolitical interests in Africa.
In December 2024, Russia dispatched a contingent of Syrian soldiers to restore the Maaten Al Sarra base, aiming to establish it as a pivotal operational hub in Africa to facilitate support to nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and potentially Sudan. This development marks a new chapter in Russia’s African strategy, particularly following its diminishing foothold in Syria post-Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Reports indicate that Syrian military defectors, aligned with the previous regime, are collaborating with Russian personnel to revitalize the base’s infrastructure, including runways and storage facilities. As a result, Maaten Al Sarra is poised to become a significant logistics center for Russian military activities across Africa, enhancing the supply chain to various coastal areas.
Additionally, the operation involves forging connections with tribal communities in southern Libya, highlighting Russia’s intention to build alliances that facilitate its expansion efforts across the African continent, especially after losing influence in Syria. Recent movements indicate that a military convoy from the Tariq bin Ziyad Battalion, loyal to Saddam Haftar, has been dispatched to secure the Al Sarra base and protect vital routes toward Sudan.
Moscow appears to have shifted its support from the Rapid Support Forces under Hemedti towards cultivating a closer relationship with Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who commands the Sudanese Armed Forces. Furthermore, Russia has enhanced its military operations across four primary air bases in Libya, which include Al-Khadim, Al-Jufra, Brak Al-Shati, and Al-Qardabiya, reaffirming its increasing strategic intentions in the region.
The article discusses Russia’s military expansion in Libya, focusing on the transfer of troops and equipment to the Maaten Al Sarra base, which lies adjacent to Chad and Sudan. This base has historical significance from the Libyan-Chadian war and is now essential to Russia’s efforts to consolidate power within the Sahel region of Africa. The article presents insights into how collaborating Syrian forces are assisting in restoring the base for enhanced military operations in Africa.
In conclusion, Russia’s establishment of a military base near Chad and Sudan represents a strategic move to reinforce its influence in Africa. By revitalizing the Maaten Al Sarra base and collaborating with local factions and military personnel, Russia aims to create a pivotal logistical hub for operations across the continent. Increased engagement with regional powers illustrates Moscow’s commitment to expanding its presence in areas of geopolitical interest.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
