Russia is leveraging its ghost fleet to send military equipment to Libya, supporting warlord Khalifa Haftar. The use of deceptive tactics by commercial vessels has raised alarm among European authorities, prompting scrutiny from Operation Irini. Reports indicate a significant rise in Russian military activities and diplomatic engagement in Libya, raising security concerns for Europe.
Recent findings have disclosed that Russia is utilizing its so-called “ghost fleet”—numerous aging commercial vessels with disguised ownership—to transport military equipment to Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan warlord. Notably, the Cameroonian-flagged cargo ship Barbaros was observed navigating through Istanbul, heading towards the eastern Libyan port controlled by Haftar, who has been implicated in significant human rights violations by a U.N. mission.
During its journey, Yörük Işık, an analyst of maritime traffic, noted the conspicuous cargo of trucks commonly used for military engagements and manufactured by a sanctioned Russian entity. Following this observation, the European Union’s Operation Irini, which aims to monitor and restrict weapon shipments to Libya, began tracking the ship’s activities. Leaked documentation reveals that vessels within the ghost fleet employed various deceptive methods to elude detection while ferrying Russian supplies.
The Barbaros attracted further scrutiny when Interpol reported that the ship manipulated its Automatic Identification System (AIS), altering its identity multiple times since 2013 to avoid detection. Although the ship was found carrying 115 Russian-made trucks upon being boarded by Operation Irini, these vehicles were not specifically modified for military purposes, thus escaping arms embargo violations. Nonetheless, the situation represents a concerning trend towards regional militarization.
For nearly a decade, Russia has consistently supported Haftar’s military endeavors with supplies and personnel, positioning him as its principal ally in Libya. A United Nations-mandated inquiry revealed alleged human rights violations committed by Haftar’s forces, yet Western nations have not isolated him diplomatically. In a recent strategic meeting, U.S. officials engaged with Haftar, demonstrating existing diplomatic relations despite his controversial activities.
Russia’s encroachment in Eastern Libya underscores the pervasive influence it holds in the region, particularly regarding migration routes to Europe and naval operations near European borders. Anas El Gomati, director of the Sadeq Institute, emphasized that Russia’s involvement in Libya directly correlates with its strategic interests concerning NATO’s southern flank.
Recent communications indicate that Russia’s military presence in Libya has intensified significantly since early 2024, with numerous flights reported to and from the nation. Moreover, leaked documents suggest that mercenaries previously affiliated with the Wagner Group have been replaced by Russian military units. This escalation of Russian military involvement presents a pressing security challenge for Europe, particularly as Libya remains a crucial transit point for migrants.
Moscow’s engagement in Libya forms part of its broader strategy to exert influence across Africa, with gains already observed in countries like Niger and the Central African Republic. This multifaceted approach not only impacts Libya but extends Russia’s operational footprint throughout a resource-laden region.
Overall, the developments surrounding Russia’s ghost fleet and its military activities in Libya represent a critical and immediate security concern for Europe. Analysts underscore that the situation illustrates a notable failure of Western diplomatic strategy, threatening regional and European stability as Russian operations grow closer to Western territories.
In conclusion, Russia’s utilization of its ghost fleet to transport military supplies to Libya, particularly under the command of Khalifa Haftar, underscores a strategic expansion of Russian influence in Northern Africa. This endeavor, coupled with the growing militarization in the region, poses significant security implications for Europe. The persistent engagement of Western states with Haftar, despite his record of human rights violations, highlights a complex interplay of local and global powers in the increasingly volatile Libyan context.
Original Source: www.icij.org
