Reports reveal that Russia is utilizing “ghost ships” to send military supplies to Libya’s Khalifa Haftar, navigating around sanctions by manipulating identification systems. The vessel Barbaros was documented carrying military-capable trucks but was allowed to proceed due to a lack of evidence against the arms embargo. Russia’s role continues to grow, raising security concerns for Europe regarding migration and regional stability.
Recent reports indicate that Russia is utilizing vessels from a so-called “ghost fleet” to transport military equipment to Libya, aiding military leader Khalifa Haftar. The Cameroonian-flagged cargo ship, Barbaros, was identified as it traversed Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait and was under scrutiny for carrying trucks manufactured by a sanctioned Russian firm. The shipment coincided with heightened law enforcement activity aimed at disrupting arms deliveries amid an international arms embargo.
According to leaked documents from the EU naval mission Operation Irini, the Barbaros had manipulated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to obscure its location and had changed its name multiple times since 2013. Although the ship was carrying military-capable trucks, these were deemed insufficiently modified to violate the embargo, allowing the Barbaros to proceed to Tobruk, a port under Haftar’s control.
The ghost fleet, allegedly employed by Russia to bypass sanctions, has evaded detection through various methods, including turning off AIS and spoofing its location. The EU has recorded increasing Russian military shipments to Libya as part of a strategy to enhance Moscow’s influence in North Africa and the Mediterranean. A report noted that Russian flights to Libya in early 2024 matched the total of the previous year.
Russia’s support for Haftar spans nearly a decade, with significant allegations against Haftar’s forces regarding crimes against humanity. Despite ongoing civil lawsuits in the U.S. alleging his forces’ culpability in civilian deaths, Western officials continue to engage with him. In August 2024, top U.S. officials maintained dialogue with him, illustrating the complexity of international relations in the region.
Anas El Gomati from the Sadeq Institute emphasized the strategic implications of Russia’s role in Libya, particularly concerning migrant trafficking routes and naval operations. As European authorities recognize the threat posed by Russia’s presence, there are calls for increased engagement with institutions under Haftar.
The EU naval mission has documented an uptick in Russian military activity amid a perceived escalation of its influence. Mercenaries from the Wagner Group have reportedly been replaced by the Africa Corps, directly managing Russian military operations in Libya. This growing involvement serves Moscow’s broader agenda in Africa, facilitating its interests in resource-rich regions.
The ongoing arms shipments exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Libya, while also expanding Russian geopolitical influence across several countries. Notably, patterns of Russian support for military juntas in nations such as Niger highlight the complex interplay of arms and regional stability.
Overall, the situation underscores the potential for destabilization within Libya, which poses an immediate security concern for Europe, particularly due to its role as a migration corridor. Analysts express that Russia’s activities constitute a significant threat to European security, calling into question the effectiveness of Western strategies in the region.
In summary, leasing military vessels from Russia’s ghost fleet has crucial implications for Libya and broader European security. The ongoing arms shipments and strategic ties between Moscow and Khalifa Haftar demonstrate an increasing Russian influence in the region, coupled with allegations of human rights violations linked to Haftar’s forces. As the situation escalates, it reveals a need for a reassessment of Western engagements and strategies in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Original Source: www.icij.org
