Russia’s Ghost Fleet: Military Logistics and Influence in Libya

Russia’s ghost fleet, comprising outdated commercial vessels, is transporting military supplies to Libyan leader Khalifa Haftar, circumventing international sanctions. The Barbartos, a key vessel, showcased evasion tactics and confirmed the militarization trend. Moscow’s influence in Libya poses significant security risks for Europe and reflects a strategic foothold in North Africa.

Recent reports reveal that Russia is utilizing its “ghost fleet”—a collection of aging commercial ships with obscured ownership—to transport military supplies to the Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar. This operation underscores Moscow’s evasion of Western sanctions and its growing influence in Libya. One vessel, the Cameroonian-flagged Barbaros, was tracked recently traveling from Russia to Libya while carrying trucks manufactured by a sanctioned Russian firm, highlighting the complexities surrounding international arms embargoes.

The European Union’s Operation Irini, which aims to block illegal weapon shipments to Libya, became alerted when maritime analyst Yörük Işık reported sightings of the Barbaros during its passage through Istanbul. A subsequent examination revealed the vessel had modified its Automatic Identification System (AIS) multiple times to avoid detection, manipulating its name and registration significantly since 2013. Following boarding by Operation Irini, the vessel was found to carry 115 trucks, resulting in a report stating the shipment confirmed the pattern of militarization in the region, although it did not breach the arms embargo.

Moscow’s support of Haftar, which includes weapons and personnel, has faced little significant opposition from Western nations despite numerous allegations of grave human rights abuses against Haftar’s forces. Recent interactions between U.S. officials and Haftar demonstrate a strategic engagement amidst growing concerns about Russian dominance in Libya. EU representatives have acknowledged the necessity of engaging with Haftar’s institutions to counterbalance Russian influence in the region.

Russia’s presence not only facilitates military logistics but strategically positions it near Europe’s Mediterranean border. This includes leveraging Libya for controlling migration routes, with statements from experts emphasizing the ramifications for European security. Reports also indicate a surge in Russian military activities in Libya correlating with broader geopolitical shifts, particularly after the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, which may have prompted increased Russian operations in North Africa.

The activity of Russia in Libya represents escalating challenges as it seeks to strengthen its foothold across Africa. Through military support and partnerships, Moscow aims to extend its influence, as evidenced by links to resource-rich nations across the continent. Understanding the implications of these developments is essential for managing potential security threats to Europe stemming from Russia’s strategic maneuvers.

In summary, Russia’s ghost fleet is actively transporting military equipment to Libya, aiding Haftar while evading sanctions. The reports reveal sophisticated tactics to conceal operations and signal a significant increase in Russian military presence in the region. This situation poses a complex security challenge for Europe, as Western nations grapple with the implications of Russian involvement in Libya and its broader impact on EU security interests.

Original Source: www.icij.org