Russia increased Wagner deployments as Hifter’s offensive faltered, UN report says - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Al-Monitor Staff

Al-Monitor Staff

Sep 3, 2020

Members of the self-proclaimed eastern Libyan National Army (LNA) special forces gather in the city of Benghazi, on their way to reportedly back up fellow LNA fighters on the frontline west of the city of Sirte, facing forces loyal to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), on June 18, 2020. - The resurgent GNA has vowed to push on for Sirte, late Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's hometown and the last major settlement before the traditional boundary between western Libya and strongman Khalifa H — Members of the self-proclaimed eastern Libyan National Army (LNA) special forces gather in the city of Benghazi, on their way to reportedly back up fellow LNA fighters on the frontline west of the city of Sirte, facing forces loyal to the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), on June 18, 2020. — ABDULLAH DOMA/AFP via Getty Images

A new assessment by independent UN sanctions monitors adds credence to reports that Russia doubled down on its military support for Gen. Khalifa Hifter as his offensive against Libya’s Tripoli-based government faltered over the past year.

The report, seen by Reuters, said the Russian military’s logistical support for the Wagner paramilitary company’s activities in Libya “significantly increased from January 2020 to June 2020.”

Related Topics

Armed Militias and Extremist Groups Libya conflict United Nations

Wagner has already crashed two Russian fighter jets in Libya, AFRICOM says

Jared Szuba

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Intel: Russia may be reinforcing Libya’s Sirte ahead of expected offensive

Jared Szuba

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

FILES - A Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet takes off from the Hmeymim air base near Latakia, Syria, in this handout photograph released by Russia's Defence Ministry on October 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation/Handout via Reuters ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - TM3EC9K1AWQ01

Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base

Jared Szuba

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Why is Sirte everyone’s ‘red line’ in Libya?

Fehim Tastekin

Fehim Tastekin

In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics