The investigative platform “ICAD” revealed a huge military expansion of Putin’s forces into Libyan bases, and a Russian expansion operation that is the largest of its kind in the heart of Libya, according to what it said.
ICAD said in its report that it had monitored changes in five strategic military bases located in central and northern Libya, namely the bases of Al-Jufra, Al-Qarzabiyah, Brak Al-Shati, Al-Khadim, and the port of Tobruk.
ICAD indicated that the Brak Al-Shati base witnessed infrastructural changes starting last March, ranging from the construction of new facilities to the restoration of existing facilities.
ICAD added that since last March, it has documented more than one air bridge led by Russian military cargo planes towards the Brak al-Shati base, and the appearance of equipment groups among the aircraft refineries.
As for Al-Jufra base, ICAD has documented air bridges of Russian military cargo planes there since late last November.
ICAD pointed out that one of the Wagner aircraft was attacked in December, but that did not deter Moscow from continuing its military cargo flights to the base.
ICAD said that many of these trips coincided with reports monitoring the arrival of Russian forces to the base, along with evidence of the base using Russian Legion reinforcements.
At the conclusion of the investigation, ICAD explained that Russia exploited Libya as a gateway to expansion towards Africa, by strengthening the presence of the Russian Legion and equipping the military infrastructure in Libyan bases such as Barak Al-Shati and Al-Jufra to be a starting point for increasing its regional influence and expanding Russian hegemony in the African continent, according to the report.
Source: ICAD Investigations Platform
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Elena Morozov
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Morozov. Thank you for joining us today. The recent report from the investigative platform ICAD has revealed some alarming information regarding Russia’s military expansion into Libya. Can you break down what this expansion entails and its significance?
Dr. Morozov: Good afternoon! Yes, the ICAD report is quite revealing. It indicates that Russian military presence in Libya is not just increasing but is evolving into a significant strategic operation. We’re talking about an expansion across key military bases such as Al-Jufra, Al-Qarzabiyah, Brak Al-Shati, Al-Khadim, and the port of Ras Lanuf. This represents Russia’s largest military operation in the region to date.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on why these specific bases are of strategic importance to both Russia and Libya?
Dr. Morozov: Absolutely. These bases are strategically located throughout Libya, allowing for control over significant territorial and maritime zones. For Russia, gaining a foothold in Libya not only enhances their military reach in North Africa but also allows them to exert influence over the Mediterranean. For Libya, particularly amidst its ongoing internal strife, having foreign backing—especially from a global player like Russia—can drastically alter power dynamics on the ground.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. Given the ongoing conflict in Libya, how might this Russian expansion affect the situation there?
Dr. Morozov: The implications are multi-faceted. Increased Russian military presence could intensify the existing conflicts between rival factions within Libya, as various groups might see Russian support as a threat or as an opportunity to leverage their positions. Moreover, this might complicate international efforts for conflict resolution, as other powers may feel compelled to respond in kind or increase their own involvement to counterbalance Russia’s growing influence.
Time.news Editor: There’s been criticism regarding foreign military involvement exacerbating local conflicts. How do you see the role of external powers like Russia evolving in the context of Libya’s situation?
Dr. Morozov: Indeed, history has shown us that foreign military involvement often complicates local dynamics. For Russia, the tactical expansion in Libya serves multiple purposes: it is an opportunity to project power, secure potential economic benefits, and support allied factions. However, it’s important to recognize that Libyan sovereignty must be respected, and any military engagement should ideally stem from the legitimate will of the Libyan people.
Time.news Editor: Looking forward, what could be the potential international responses to this situation, especially from NATO or Western nations?
Dr. Morozov: This is a crucial question. NATO countries and other Western powers may view Russia’s expansion as a direct challenge and could respond in various ways, including diplomatic measures, sanctions, or even increasing their own military presence in the region to deter Russian influence. However, they must also tread carefully to avoid escalating tensions further—which could lead to a larger confrontation in an already volatile area.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morozov, for your insights. As this situation develops, we will keep an eye on how these international dynamics play out together with Libya’s internal politics. Your expertise is invaluable in understanding these complex issues.
Dr. Morozov: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it. Let’s hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Libya.