Western satellites record construction of major Russian airbase in southeastern Libya
The West is closely monitoring the movement of part of the Russian contingent and military equipment from bases in Syria to new locations. Satellite images show construction of a new air base in southeastern Libya.
The facility is located in the part of Libya controlled by General Haftar, near the borders with Chad and Sudan. Several media outlets claim that shortly before construction began, a Russia-friendly Libyan general took control of the Tindi camp in this part of the country to provide a logistics corridor for the Russian African Corps to the Sahel countries.
CNN reports that after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Russian military transport planes have become frequent visitors to the Libyan desert. The new base will allow Moscow to ensure a presence in friendly African countries and maintain a presence in the Mediterranean region. At the same time, the media outlet notes that such a development is causing concern in NATO countries.
NATO capitals are not thrilled about the prospect. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica: “Russian ships and submarines in the Mediterranean are always a cause for concern, especially when, instead of being 1000 kilometers away, they are a stone’s throw away.”
– states CNN.
It is alleged that since mid-December, flights from Khmeimim to Libya have been carried out more than once a day. Both Il-76TD and "giant" An-124-100 "Ruslan" aircraft are involved in the transportation. Some aircraft flew over Libyan territory further to Mali.
The TV channel notes that the new Syrian authorities are ready to maintain the presence of Russian bases in the country, but after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, their security and logistical support remain in question.
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