Russian fighter jets were recently deployed to Libya in order to support Russian state-sponsored private military contractors (PMCs) operating on the ground there. (U.S. Africa Command photo)
Task & Purpose: Russian mercenaries are now flying combat missions over Libya
US Africa Command official provides dates of two MiG-29 losses and reiterates the jets’ connections to Wagner Group.
Russian mercenaries with the infamous Wagner Group are now flying combat missions in Libya, said Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, director of intelligence for U.S. Africa Command.
AFRICOM first confirmed in May that the Russians had sent at least 14 MiG 29 and SU-24 fighter aircraft to Libya to support local strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, a onetime CIA asset.
Since then, defense officials have said the mercenary pilots were learning how to operate their Russian fighters, but Berg told reporters on Friday that AFRICOM believes the Russian aircraft have also flown in combat.
Two of the Russian MiGs have crashed since arriving in Libya – the first on June 28th and the second on Sept. 7, Berg said.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Russians are suffering loses in Libya .... Two Russian MiG-29s Have Crashed In Libya According To Top American Intel Official (WarzoneThe Drive).
1 comment:
What caused the loss of the Russian aircraft?
- AA guns
- Manpads
- SAM's
And who was operating them?
Fewer Russian MIGs may or may not be better for the US. MIG losses will fail to deter Turkey. MIG losses might embolden China. It remains to be seen.
Material losses are always hard, but Russia might gain valuable combat experience. so we wait and see what happens.
Post a Comment