Russia’s Ghost Fleet: Evolving Military Influence in Libya

Russia has been using its ghost fleet to deliver military equipment to Khalifa Haftar in Libya. Despite being under an arms embargo, the ghost ships manipulate their identities and ships’ tracking systems to evade detection. European authorities are increasingly alarmed by Russia’s growing influence in Libya, which poses security risks for Europe due to its proximity and role in migration. The situation calls for Western officials to re-evaluate their strategies amidst these developments.

Recent revelations indicate that Russia has been employing commercial vessels from its so-called “ghost fleet”—aged ships with obscured ownership—to deliver military supplies to Khalifa Haftar in Libya. An example is the Cameroonian-flagged cargo ship, Barbaros, which was observed transporting trucks, potentially for military purposes, while traveling through the Bosphorus Strait after departing from Russia.

The European Union’s Operation Irini aims to monitor and obstruct such shipments violating the arms embargo on Libya, as detailed in leaked documents. This operation has uncovered tactics used by these ghost ships to evade detection, raising concerns about intensifying Russian influence in Libya as part of a broader Mediterranean strategy.

Specifically, the Barbaros has been accused of manipulating its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to disguise its location and has frequently changed its name and registration. On May 1, 2024, Operation Irini boarded the vessel and discovered its cargo included 115 Russian-made trucks; however, they were not equipped for military use, allowing the ship to continue its journey.

While Russia’s support for Haftar has persisted for nearly a decade, recent reports outline the serious human rights violations attributed to Haftar’s forces. Meanwhile, Western engagements with Haftar continue, indicating a strategic negligence despite accusations against him. European officials acknowledge the necessity of remaining active in eastern Libya to counter Russian presence.

Anas El Gomati of the Sadeq Institute emphasized that Russia’s influence over migrant trafficking routes and its geographical positioning provides it with leverage against Europe. Reports show a notable increase in Russian military activity in Libya, including both flights and shipments, with sources indicating a collaboration to modernize infrastructure.

Moscow’s further militarization of Libya underscores its aspiration to extend influence across Africa, using the region as a strategic hub. This aligns with recent activities in neighboring countries, such as Niger and the Central African Republic, where Russia has gained economic influences through military interventions.

Concerns raised by European officials highlight that Russia’s military engagement presents an immediate security threat to Europe, especially regarding migration routes through Libya. The strategic implications of Russia’s endeavors in Libya could destabilize the region significantly, which is alarmingly close to NATO’s borders.

The overall situation illustrates the dangers of underestimating Russia’s military expansion in North Africa, especially for European security interests.

The unfolding events in Libya, driven by Russia’s covert operations and support for Khalifa Haftar, underscore the urgency for Western officials to reassess their strategies. Not only has Russia fortified its presence through ghost ships and military shipments, but it also poses escalating risks to European security due to Libya’s strategic location as a migration corridor. Addressing this growing threat will necessitate enhanced vigilance and proactive engagement from Western powers.

Original Source: www.icij.org