Russian Mercenaries From The Wagner Group Are Now Flying Combat Missions Over Libya

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.

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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).

Russian Speaking Pilot In Libya Filming Himself Waiting To Be Rescued After Ejecting From His Plane

WNU Editor: In the first minute of the video he is worried on what is going to happen next. But he becomes super grateful when the Mi-24 Hind shows up where he now knows that he is going to saved and everything is going to be alright. .

Russia Builds-Up Its Air Defenses In Libya

#Russian made hardware in Ras Lanuf identified as 96L6/96L6E "Cheese Board" early-warning and acquisition radar and, possibly, and S-300 missile launcher.#LNA #Libyahttps://t.co/1d0Ci0MDex

— Yellow (@Yellow34950210) August 5, 2020

Warzone/The Drive: New Intel Indicates Russia May Have Sent S-300 Or S-400 Surface To Air Missiles To Libya

Initial photos from Ras Lanuf and recent transport flights suggest Moscow may have bolstered Haftar's defenses by providing advanced SAM batteries.

Imagery appearing on social media channels seems to show the deployment of a Russian-made surface-to-air missile system — from either the S-300 or S-400 family — deployed near Ras Lanuf on the Libyan coast. The oil port is controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Should the presence of these weapons be confirmed, it would mark a new significant escalation in Libya’s civil war and in the involvement of foreign powers backing either side in the conflict.

Unconfirmed media reports last month suggested the LNA had deployed the S-300 along the eastern border with Egypt. The veracity of these reports is unclear as Ras Lanuf is nowhere near the border with Egypt.

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WNU Editor: Russia will not listen to the U.S. when it comes to this .... Erdoğan 'constantly calling' Trump to get Russia to back down in Libya - CNN (Ahval). But the US is trying .... In Nod To Russia, U.S. Condemns Foreign Military Involvement In Libya (RFE).

More News On Russia's Involvement in Libya

Egypt, Russia deploy anti-aircraft systems in Libya to support Haftar -- Libya Observer
How Purported Russian Air Defense Deployment Could Solidify Libya Stalemate -- Forbes
Russia moves to secure its investment in Libya -- Jerusalem Post
Why Russian mercenaries seized control of key oilfield in Libya -- Al Jazeera

According To The U.S. Russian Fighter Jets Are Now Active In Libya

Africom

Warzone/The Drive: Russian MiG-29 And Su-24 Combat Jets Caught In-Flight At Libyan Base In New Satellite Images

The images show that the jets that Russia sent to the North African country last month are increasingly active.

New imagery has caught MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-24 Fencers in the air at Al Jufrah Air Base in Libya. This, along with other details seen in the images, highlight the increasing activity at the base since Russia sent at least 14 combat jets, in total, to the North African country last month to support Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar. It also underscores that the jets themselves are now actively flying.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) released two new images of Al Jufrah, which it said were taken on June 18, 2020, one of which showed an Su-24 Fencer taking off from the base. The other one showed a MiG-29 parked in front of a hardened aircraft shelter, as well as P-18 Spoon Rest radar. The P-18 is a long-range surveillance radar that can be used for early warning and to provide general increased situational awareness and air traffic control.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. says there are approximately 2,000 Russian mercenaries in Libya .... US says 2,000 Russia-backed mercenaries are fighting in Libya (Middle East Monitor).

More News On Russian Fighter Jets Being Active In Libya

Russian fighter jet flights in Libya raise US concern -- The Hill
US says jets deployed by Russia in Libya in active use -- Al Jazeera
Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base -- Al-Monitor
Russian aircraft active in Libya, AFRICOM says -- Middle East Monitor
US reveals new evidence of Russian aircraft activity in Libya -- Middle East Eye
The US military isn't just worried about Russia's fighter jets in Libya but also who's flying them -- Business Insider

Russian Fighter Jets Spotted Flying Over Key Libyan City Under Seige

Photos purportedly showing an LAF Mig-29 flying over Sirte, today. #Libya pic.twitter.com/tGjF2RDxpz

— HElshelmani (@HElshelmani) June 10, 2020

Warzone/The Drive: MiG-29 Fighter Jet Reportedly Appears Over Key Libyan City That Is Now Under Siege

Separately, Turkish warships blocked the Greek Navy from boarding a cargo ship in the Mediterranean suspected of carrying arms to Libya.

There are as yet unconfirmed reports that at least one MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter from a tranche of jets that Russia sent to Libya to bolster forces aligned with strongman Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army last month has now flown a mission over the strategic coastal city of Sirte. This comes as the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord is pushing to retake control of that area after weeks of substantial victories fueled by Turkish military assistance, especially deliveries of armed drones.

The reported sighting of the MiG-29 over Sirte also follows a Greek Navy frigate's attempt to board and inspect a Turkish-operated Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship in the Mediterranean Sea that is suspected of carrying a new shipment of Turkish weapons or other military equipment bound for Libya in violation of the United Nations arms embargo on that country. Turkish frigates escorting the vessel rejected the request and warned off the Greek warship, which is now reportedly shadowing the flotilla. This all underscores the growing spillover of broader geopolitical competition in the Mediterranean region emanating from the Libyan civil conflict.

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WNU Editor: Russia has raised the stakes .... Russia raises stakes with 'brazen' military intervention in Libyan conflict (CNN). And Russia will probably persevere in this conflict .... Russia likely to mostly have its way in Libya, as it did in Syria (Gwynne Dyer, London Free Press).

Pentagon Says Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s And Su-24s To Libya

They are flown by Russian military members & escorted by Russian fighters based in Syria to Libya, landing in Eastern Libya near Tobruk for fuel. At least 14 newly unmarked Russian aircraft are then delivered to Al Jufra Air Base in Libya. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/bB9g66pVUc

— US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) May 27, 2020

Warzone/The Drive: Russia Now Has At Least 14 Combat Jets In Libya As Satellite Images Reveal New Details

It's now clear that the Kremlin has launched a major airpower intervention into the country.

The U.S. military's top command for operations in Africa says that Russia has sent at least 14 combat jets to Libya and that Russian military pilots are flying them. It has also released additional satellite imagery shot last week showing two MiG-29 Fulcrums at Al Jufrah Air Base in the center of that country. This comes a day after it first revealed evidence that the Kremlin had sent the aircraft to bolster forces fighting on behalf of strongman Khalifa Haftar against Libya's U.N.-recognized government.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Tweeted out the new imagery and information on May 27, 2020. The satellite images are dated May 20, a day before the first reports began to emerge that Russian MiG-29s, as well as Su-24 Fencers, had touched down in Libya.

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WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. The war in Libya is about to escalate significantly.

More News On Reports That Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s And Su-24s To Libya

U.S. Africa Command Releases Additional Images, Details About The “At Least” 14 Russian Jets Deployed To Libya -- The Aviationist
U.S. Military Says Russia Flew 14 MiG 29s and Su-24s to Libya -- New York Times
Russian 'camouflaged' fighter jets deployed to Libya to back rebel airstrikes on capital: US military -- FOX News
Russia delivers fighter jets to Libya over Syria: US -- Anadolu Agency
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Sending Jets To Libya To Support Mercenaries -- RFE
What Is Russia Doing in Libya? Pentagon Warns of Escalation As Putin Sends Fighter Jets -- Newsweek

Pentagon Says Russia Sent Warplanes To Back Libyan Warlord General Khalifa Haftar

Imagery released by the U.S. Africa Command include satellite shots and air-to-air images. (Image credit: US AFRICOM)

The Guardian: US says Russia sent warplanes to back Libyan warlord

Moscow’s move could create long-term security threat on Europe’s southern flank.

The US has accused Russia of sending warplanes to Libya to support the warlord Gen Khalifa Haftar.

Washington’s Africa Command said Moscow may be seeking to capture bases on Libya’s coast, creating a long-term security threat on Europe’s southern flank.

The US released images it claimed were of disguised Russian planes, including MiG-29s, at al-Jufra airbase south of Sirte. It is thought there are as many as eight jets, and that they were sent around 14 May.

The US administration has until recently taken no clear view on the Libyan civil war, but its assessment of the Russian intervention and dramatic warning about the wider implications for Europe’s security may be leading the US Department of State to offer clearer support to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli.

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More News On The Pentagon Saying Russia Sent Warplanes To Back Libyan Warlord General Khalifa Haftar

Satellite imagery had already showned at least one MiG-29 on the ground in Libya. The U.S. Africa Command has just released some additional details and images. -- The Aviaitonist
MiG-29 Fighters Were At Russia's Air Base In Syria Just Before Showing Up In Libya (Updated) -- Warzone/The Drive
U.S. military says Russia deployed fighter jets to Libya -- Reuters
Russia sends fighter jets to Libya to support mercenaries -- France 24
US military accused Russia of deploying fighter aircraft to Libya -- CNN
U.S. Accuses Russia Of Sending Jets To Libya To Support Mercenaries -- RFE
US accuses Russia of deploying fighter jets to Libya to boost mercenaries -- The Hill
US says Russia sent jets to Libya 'mercenaries' -- BBC
US photos show Russia allegedly sneaking warplanes into Libya to support its mercenaries and 'tip the scales' in the civil war -- Business Insider
Russian 'camouflaged' fighter jets deployed to Libya to back rebel airstrikes on capital: US military -- FOX News
US military accuses Russia of deploying fighter jets to Libya -- Al Jazeera
Pentagon releases photo of Russian fighter jets recently deployed to Libya -- Defence Blog

Russia Deploys Advanced Combat Jets To Libya

MiG-29 on the ground at al-Jufrah, 19 May 20. Grid: 29.1916, 16.0112 https://t.co/62By0rSZMC pic.twitter.com/k1Fw7HePOA

— Brian Castner (@Brian_Castner) May 21, 2020

Warzone/The Drive: Mysterious MiG-29 Fighter Appears At Libyan Air Base Held By Russian-Backed Forces

The reported arrival of advanced combat jets comes after a major shift in the front lines of Libya's civil war and could point to an expanded air war.

Satellite imagery has emerged showing at least one MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet at an air base in Libya under the control of forces aligned with rogue general Khalifa Haftar. This follows reports that six MiG-29s, as well as a pair of Su-24 Fencer combat jets, had recently arrived to join Haftar's Libyan National Army, or LNA.

If true, this could represent a major escalation in the conflict in that country and it comes amid an exchange of threats between Haftar's group and Turkey, the latter of which supports the United Nations-recognized Government of National Accord, or GNA. Just this week, GNA-aligned forces also routed elements of the LNA in the western portion of the country, recapturing a major base along with various weapons and other equipment.

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Update: Russia Warplanes Reported In Libya After Local Proxy Loses Key Airbase (Forbes)

WNU Editor: This is a major escalation. Turkey's media is pushing for the UN to investigate, while ignoring Turkey's military presence in the country .... UN probes ‘dispatch of Russia-made warplanes’ to Libya (Anadolu Agency).

UN Report: 1,200 Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting In Libya

Haftar's forces launched a war a year ago to seize Tripoli and other parts of northwest Libya [File: Esam Omran al-Fetori/Reuters]

BBC: Wagner, shadowy Russian military group, 'fighting in Libya'

Hundreds of mercenaries from Russia's shadowy Wagner Group are operating in Libya, a leaked UN report says.

They have been supporting renegade general Khalifa Haftar's battle against the Tripoli-based government, it says.

Since 2014, Libya has been split between areas controlled by the sides.

Wagner is believed to have been involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. The Russian government denies any state involvement in the militant group.

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More News On A UN Report That Claims 1,200 Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting In Libya

UN experts: Libya's Hifter got fighters from Russian company -- AP
Russian mercenaries are fighting in Libya, UN diplomats say -- France 24
Up to 1,200 deployed in Libya by Russian military group: U.N. report -- Reuters
UN Monitors Say Mercenaries From Russia's Vagner Group Fighting In Libya -- RFE
Russian group's 1,200 mercenaries fighting in Libya: UN report -- Al Jazeera
Russia to send Assad regime forces to fight for Haftar -- Middle East Monitor
U.S. says Russia is working with Syria's Assad to move militia to Libya -- Reuters

Reports: 10 To 35 Russian Mercenaries Killed In Libya

A smoke plume rises in Tajoura, south of the Libyan capital Tripoli, June 29, 2019, following a reported airstrike.

VOA: Reports: Up to 35 Russian Mercenaries Killed in Libya

MOSCOW - As many as 35 Russian mercenaries are reported to have been killed in Libya while they were fighting for Khalifa Haftar, the military general most associated with the rule of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi, who launched an offensive earlier this year on the Libyan capital of Tripoli, home to the country’s internationally-recognized government, according to a Russian media.

The mercenaries are thought to work for the Wagner Group, a military contractor run by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman nicknamed Putin’s Chef because he holds lucrative Kremlin catering contracts.

Asked by VOA about the reports of the fatalities in an airstrike on the outskirts of Tripoli, where Haftar’s forces have been bogged down for months, Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, said she had “no detailed information” and suggested directing questions to Russia’s defense ministry.

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Update #1: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Killed in Libya – Meduza (Moscow Times)
Update #2: Falling off the Fence: Russian Mercenaries Join the Battle for Tripoli (Roger McDermott, Jamestown Foundation)

WNU Editor: The original report on Russian mercenaries being killed in Libya is here .... A small price to pay for Tripoli Between 10 and 35 Russian mercenaries have been killed in the Libyan Civil War. We identified several of them. (Meduza).

Libya Is One Of Many Conflicts That Russia Is A Part Of

Khalifa Haftar (left), the chief of the Libyan National Army, meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on August 14, 2017

Leonid Bershidsky, Moscow Times: In Libya, One of Putin’s Many Bets Is in Play

The Kremlin doesn’t have the luxury of choosing allies: It has to go with adventurers and risk-takers.

By the time Putin became interested in expanding Russia’s reach in the developing world, even the Soviet-era allies he had left had become shaky. Assad was involved in this century’s deadliest civil war, and Russia had to mount a full-scale military operation to keep him in power. That was a risky bet that hasn’t delivered a clear pay-off yet: Syria is in ruins, and the opportunistic partnership with Iran is more of an inconvenience than a helpful alliance, given Iran’s problems with the Western world, Israel and, most importantly for Putin, with Saudi Arabia.

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WNU Editor: Russia is trying to act as a broker for both sides in Libya .... Russia maintains contact with all parties to Libyan conflict, UN (Egypt Today). As for the other conflicts that Russia is involved in, they are siding with the government in power.

British Intelligence Is Claiming That Russia Has Established Two Bases In Libya

The SUN: PUTIN TROOPS IN LIBYA Russia sends troops and missiles into Libya in bid to enforce stranglehold on the West

Intelligence chiefs have told Theresa May that Vladimir Putin wants to make the war-torn North African nation “his new Syria”

RUSSIA is moving troops and missiles into Libya in a bid to enforce a new stranglehold on the West, Theresa May has been warned.

Intelligence chiefs have told the PM that Vladimir Putin wants to make the wartorn North African country “his new Syria”.

And seizing control of the biggest illegal immigration route to Europe is seen as Moscow’s primary goal.

The Sun can reveal that “dozens” of officers from the GRU military spy service as well as its Spetznaz special forces wing are already on the ground in eastern Libya, initially carrying out training and liaison roles.

Two Russian military bases are already now up and running in the coastal towns of Tobruk and Benghazi, using the cover of the controversial Russian private military company the Wagner Group which already has outposts there.

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WNU Editor: Russia is denying these claims .... Russian Parliament's Defense Committee Denies Military Presence in Libya (Sputnik).

More News On British Intelligence Claiming That Russia Has Established Two Bases In Libya

Russia sets its sights on lawless Libya -- The Times
Russia set up two military bases and sent troops on ground in east Libya -- Libyan Express
The Sun: Russia sends troops and missiles to east Libya and sets up two military bases -- Libya Observer
UK Intel Claims Putin Aims to Make Libya "New Syria" to Pressure West - Reports -- Sputnik

Will Russia Get Involved In The Libyan And Yemen Wars?

Khalifa Haftar (left), the chief of the Libyan National Army, meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on August 14, 2017.

Newsweek: Is Russia Ready for Another War? Libya and Yemen Leaders Ask for Vladimir Putin's Help

Leaders of influential armed movements in Libya and Yemen have appealed for Russian intervention to solve the crises that have ravaged their respective countries in the wake of a regional uprising years ago.

The spokesperson for the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army, which is led by General Khalifa Haftar and represents one of two rival factions attempting to claim control of the country, said Wednesday that Russian support was needed to better equip his forces and help establish a unified national government. Under longtime leader Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya and Russia enjoyed a strong military relationship, but this fell out after a West-backed 2011 insurgency and a subsequent international ban on selling arms to the Libyan armed forces.

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WNU Editor: The above Newsweek story was posted last month .... but the answer is the same if it is asked today .... Russia is not going to get involved directly. The Libyan and Yemen wars are quagmires for anyone who gets involved, and Russia simply does not have the resources to make such a commitment.

U.S. Alarmed By The Growing Russian Presence In Libya

RFE: U.S. Commander Says Russians Looking To Expand Influence In Libya

The chief of the U.S. military’s Africa Command says Russia is attempting to expand its influence in Libya, something the United States is watching with "great concern."

General Thomas Waldhauser on March 24 said Russia was "on the ground" in the border area between Egypt and Libya and was using military means, weapon sales, and oil to expand its influence in the country.

"They are trying to influence the action -- we watch what they do with great concern," Waldhauser told a news conference. "They are on the ground.”

Earlier this month, AFP and Reuters reported that Russia had deployed forces to a base in western Egypt about 100 kilometers from the border with Libya.

Russia denied the reports.

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More News On The U.S. Being Alarmed At The Growing Russian Presence In Libya

Link seen between Russia and Libyan commander Haftar: U.S. general -- Reuters
US military officer raises worry over Russia's influence in Libya -- AFP
US alarm at Russian meddling in Libya -- The Times
US general: Links between Libya’s Haftar and Russia -- Middle East Monitor
Russian links with Libya general 'undeniable,' US general claims -- The Telegraph.
U.S. general claims Russians are interfering in Libya -- Ken Hanly, Digital Journal
What Americans Need To Know If Russia Intervenes in Libya’s Civil War -- Amanda Kadlec,Christopher S. Chivvis

Russian Special Forces Have Been Deployed To Egypt To Assist A 'Renegade' General In Libya

The Guardian: Russian special forces sent to back renegade Libyan general – reports

Deployment just over border in Egypt may be in support of Khalifa Haftar and aimed at gaining leverage over Libya’s eventual ruler

Russia appears to have deployed special forces to an airbase in western Egypt near the border with Libya in recent days, in a move that adds to US concerns about Moscow’s deepening role in Libya.

US and diplomatic officials said any such Russian involvement might be part of an attempt to support the Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, who suffered a setback on 3 March with an attack on by the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB) on oil ports controlled by his forces.

The US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Washington had observed what appeared to be Russian special operations forces and drones at Sidi Barrani, about 60 miles (100km) from the Egypt-Libya border.

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WNU Editor: Russia is denying these reports .... Russia Did Not Send Military Experts or Drones to Airbase in Egypt – Lawmaker (Sputnik). More denials here .... Top brass dismisses Western media’s alleged ‘leaks’ on Russian special forces in Egypt (TASS). But the Egyptian government is issuing no denials, and the government leader for eastern Libya is in Egypt looking for help .... Eastern government’s PM in Egypt to enlist military support (Libyan Express). This is also revealing on what is going to happen next .... Libya To Enact Arms Deal Signed With Russia During Gaddafi's Regime (Defense World).

More News On Russian Special Forces Being Deployed To Egypt To Assist A 'Renegade' General In Libya

Exclusive: Russia appears to deploy forces in Egypt, eyes on Libya role - sources -- Reuters
Reuters: Russia Apparently Deploys Forces Near Libyan Border In Egypt -- RFE
Russia dispatches special forces to western Egypt as concerns grow over military presence in Libya -- The Independent
Russia deploys troops in western Egypt as Putin eyes power in Libya -- International Business Times
Russia moving special forces into Libya -- Arutz Sheva
Russian special forces reportedly deployed to Egypt -- The Times of Israel/AP
Russia deploys special forces to Egypt to back renegade Libyan general -- i24news
Libya's Khalifa Haftar 'retakes oil ports from Islamist militia' -- BBC
Libya strongman launches assault on oil terminals -- AFP
Khalifa Haftar launches offensive on key oil ports -- Al Jazeera

What Is Russia Doing In Libya?

General Khalifa Haftar, commander in the Libyan National Army (LNA), leaves after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, November 29, 2016. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

Reuters: Exclusive: Russian private security firm says it had armed men in east Libya

A force of several dozen armed private security contractors from Russia operated until last month in a part of Libya that is under the control of regional leader Khalifa Haftar, the head of the firm that hired the contractors told Reuters.

It is the clearest signal to date that Moscow is prepared to back up its public diplomatic support for Haftar -- even at the risk of alarming Western governments already irked at Russia's intervention in Syria to prop up President Bashar al-Assad.

Haftar is opposed to a U.N.-backed government which Western states see as the best chance of restoring stability in Libya. But some Russian policy-makers see the Libyan as a strongman who can end the six years of anarchy that followed the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.

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Update #1: What is Russia’s thinking on Libya? (Vasily Kuznetsov, Al-Monitor)
Update #2: AFRICOM commander voices concern over Russian meddling in Libya (Military Times)

WNU Editor: Libya has been in chaos since the overthrow of Qaddafi .... and the U.N./Europe/U.S. have not been helpful in stabilising the situation. So it is not surprising that some of these militia leaders are looking elsewhere .... Russia's Position in the Med Prompts One More Arab Country to Seek Moscow's Help (Sputnik).

Russia Wants To Play A Bigger Role In Libya

Gen. Khalifa Hifter, a commander in the Libyan National Army, leaves after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Nov. 29, 2016. (photo by REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)

Bloomberg: Russia Urges Libya Leadership Role for UN-Defying Military Chief

* Top Russian diplomat says Haftar is ‘leading political figure’
* UN envoy ignoring influential players in Libya, Gatilov says

Russia threw its weight behind a powerful Libyan army commander, Khalifa Haftar, who’s in conflict with the UN-backed government there, saying he must have a role in the leadership of the crisis-wracked state.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov criticized the United Nations’ envoy to Libya for favoring other political forces in the North African country. His comments marked Russia’s strongest endorsement yet of Haftar, which may complicate Western-led efforts to shore up the weak, internationally-recognized government in the capital, Tripoli. Russia says the UN-mandated body is ineffective.

“We believe that the Libyans have to find a compromise on his participation in the new Libyan leadership,” Gatilov said of Haftar, who controls more territory than any other faction in the divided country, in written answers to questions from Bloomberg News.

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WNU Editor: Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar controls more territory than anyone else in Libya .... and he controls much of the oil industry. He is also a former CIA asset .... who (it appears) to be looking for new allies.

More News On Russia's Growing Role In Libya

Russia seeks influence in Libya -- DW
After Syria, Putin promotes Libyan strongman as new ally -- Gulf News/Bloomberg
Hifter in Moscow: Russia’s shifting interests in Libya -- Al-Monitor
Russia expresses support for Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar -- Digital Journal
Moscow ups support for Hafter, picks on UNSMIL chief -- Libya Herald
Russia and France work for settlement of Libya, French Ambassador says -- Libyan Express

Russia Evacuates It's Embassy In Libya After Attack

Russia Evacuates Embassy In Libya After Attack -- BBC

All staff and family members have been evacuated from the Russian embassy in Libya after gunmen attacked the compound in the capital, Tripoli.

The foreign ministry in Moscow announced that the evacuees had arrived in neighbouring Tunisia, from where they planned to fly back to Russia.

It suggested the incident was a revenge attack after the alleged killing of a Libyan by a Russian citizen.

Russian diplomats in Tunis would maintain ties with Libya, it added.

No Russian casualties were reported during the attack on Wednesday but a car and other property were damaged.

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More News On Russia Evacuating it's Embassy In Libya

Russia says embassy staff in Libya evacuated after attack -- Reuters
Russian Embassy in Libya evacuated after attack -- USA Today/AP
Russian embassy in Libya evacuated following attack -- Al Arabiya
Security forces quell attack on Russian Embassy in Tripoli, Libya -- UPI
Gunmen try to storm Russian Embassy in Libya, official says -- FOX News
Tripoli embassy attack sparked after Libyan officer killed by Russian woman - FM -- RT
Libyan Media Links Embassy Attack to Alleged Crime by Russian -- RIA Novosti
Libya: Russian Embassy Stormed after Mystery Woman Machine-Gunned Army Officer and Scrawled 'Death to Rats' in his Blood -- IBTimes

Russian Embasssy Attacked In Libya

Gunmen Attack Russian Embassy In Libya's Tripoli -- RT

The Russian embassy in Tripoli, Libya, has come under fire and there were attempts to get into Russia’s diplomatic compound, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“There has been an incident in Tripoli tonight, in which there was shelling and attempts to enter the territory of the Russian Embassy in this country,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Lukashevich told RT.

According to preliminary information, there are no reports of injuries among the staff.

The ITAR-TASS news agency's witnesses said attackers tore down a Russian flag. The situation was soon brought under control and there are currently no intruders on Russia’s embassy territory. A similar attack on Russia’s Tripoli embassy took place in February 2012 when protesters stormed the compound, condemning Russian and Chinese decisions to block the UN resolution against Syria. No one was injured in that attack.

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More News On Today's Attack on The Russian Embassy In Libya

Russian Embassy in Libya attacked, no injuries among diplomats - Reuters
Russian Embassy in Libya attacked, personnel not hurt, Foreign Ministry says -- Washington Post/AP
Russian embassy in Libya comes under attack -- Deutsche Welle
Russian embassy in Libya attacked -- Al Jazeera
Libyan protesters attack Russian embassy -- Trend

Russia To Lose Tens Of Billions In Arms Deals With The Fall Of Gaddafi

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) meets with Libyan leader Moammer Gadhafi at Meiendorf Castle outside Moscow on October 31, 2008. Gaddafi arrived in Russia on Friday for talks expected to focus on purchases of Russian arms and the possible opening of a Russian naval base in Libya to counterbalance U.S. interests in Africa. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)

Gaddafi Fall Cost Russia Tens Of Billions In Arms Deals -- Reuters

Russia lost tens of billions of dollars in potential revenues from arms deals with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's fall, the official in charge of Russia's arms exports said on Wednesday.

Russia, the world's No. 2 arms exporter, has frequently cited losses of $4 billion (2 billion pound) in Libyan arms contracts.

"The figure of $4 billion is only nominal, the real lost revenue could top tens of billions of dollars," said Mikhail Dmitriyev, the head of Russia's Federal Service on Military and Technical Cooperation.

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My Comment: And with their past support of Gaddafi ... my gut is telling me that the new Libyan government is not going to buy 'Russian' for a very very very long time.