The Russian Embassy in Libya issued a statement denouncing the Carnegie Center’s articles indicating the increasing Russian presence in Libya and its threat to security.
The statement described these reports as “worrying” and “not supported by any factual evidence,” noting that the center is trying to spread “lies and frauds” by promoting the presence of Russian forces that control oil fields, smuggle resources, and control major ports and air bases.
The statement also pointed to the “change in strategy” of the Carnegie Center, as articles began providing vague information such as “the number has increased” and “major ports,” instead of providing information that includes specific numbers and locations, which is easy to challenge.
The statement questioned the credibility of the articles published about the Russian presence in Libya, considering that they are “customized, low-quality materials made to order” and have no basis in truth.
In early October, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that Russia maintains paramilitary and regular forces in major oil facilities in Libya and occupies major air bases in the center and south of the country.
The American Foundation added that Russia transfers weapons, supplies and mercenaries from these bases to fragile and conflict-torn countries in the south, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Chad, Mali and Niger.
Source: Russian Embassy + Carnegie.