"That the Russian intervention went from mercenaries on the ground to jet fighters is really quite brazen and astonishing," the diplomat told CNN.
The Kremlin now has a permanent and much expanded military footprint in Syria -- one capable of projecting power into the Mediterranean. Libyan oil company resumes exports after months of blockade Latest news from the Libya's frontlines.
Diplomatic divisions in the west over support for Haftar had also weakened him.The recently retired UN weapons inspector for Libya, Moncef Kartas, said there was “no respect for the UN arms embargo, absolutely none”. A confidential UN report obtained by CNN described the Wagner fighters as "an effective force multiplier" for General Haftar.It's a familiar play by the Kremlin. On the other side, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in February that members of the Syrian National Army -- a rebel alliance backed by Turkey -- had gone to Libya to support the government. US-based researcher says the armed group is 'regrouping' and remains a 'persistent' threat in the oil-rich nation.The region in 2020 is in much worse shape than in 2010. "Operation Flood of Dignity," as Haftar's Tripoli offensive was called when launched in April 2019, has been anything but dignified. Your source for comprehensive and feature coverage of Libya daily news and events. One source told CNN of reports that Wagner operatives had begun practicing with barrel bombs -- an horrific legacy of the Syrian conflict -- near al Jufra.It's not just Russians and Turks that have grafted themselves onto Libya's conflict.
Egypt's parliament approves troop deployment to Libya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has reached agreements with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump that could herald a “new era” concerning Libya. But he acknowledged either side might be going through the motions, given the level of distrust.The US appears to believe that Haftar's position is weakening, with its Embassy Omar Turbi, a Libyan commentator with close contacts in the east, says the UN must not marginalize political voices in Eastern Libya. The document details flights this year between Damascus and Benghazi using the Syrian carrier Cham Wings. One Libyan source with contacts in the east told CNN that Moscow is eyeing long-term basing arrangements.
… A similar presence in Libya is now on the cards. Government officials say they released the fighters because the young prisoners are victims themselves.The UN refugee agency is warning thousands of refugees and migrants are dying, while others face harrowing abuse in their attempts to reach Europe's Mediterranean coast in search of a better life.UN Support Mission in Libya says most of the casualties were in Libya's western region and caused by Haftar's forces.COVID-19 pandemic affecting livestock market, other businesses, as residents prepare to mark holiday amid restrictions.Italy accuses the Maltese and Gibraltar authorities of failing to intervene, prompting it to carry out the rescue.IOM said local authorities started shooting when the migrants attempted to escape from the disembarkation point.Recent battlefield defeats have forced Haftar's eastern-based troops to hastily retreat from western Libya.Russia sending weapons to support fighters loyal to Haftar in breach of an arms embargo, says US military.At Istanbul meeting, Russia and Turkey agree to push for a ceasefire but Ankara says eastern commander must retreat.There are increasing fears that Egypt's plans to deploy troops abroad could escalate the conflict in neighbouring Libya.Move comes as Libya gov't and Turkey demand an end of foreign intervention in support of commander Khalifa Haftar.The Government of National Accord says it will recapture city of Sirte, a gateway to Libya's main oil terminals.The move, while unlikely, would undermine Hong Kong's financial operations.
The fate of the draft remains unclear. In one reported incident referred to by the UN, 15 of them were killed in an airstrike. Stay up to date with the best and authentic source of News online. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that he has reached agreements with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump that could herald a “new era” concerning Libya. While in Syria they'd been stripped of their markings. ( Adds quotes, background ) Published on June 7, 2020, 8:21 AM EDT
Viktor Bondarev, said AFRICOM's claim was "stupidity" and suggested they were old Soviet planes from somewhere else in Africa. Likewise, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on "those countries who are fueling the conflict to definitively halt all forms of support." As the bedraggled convoy withdrew from the desolate airbase, the Kremlin had a surprise in store. There are also The conflict began when Col Muammar Gadaffi was deposed in 2011 and has drawn in powers from across the region and beyond. Middle East. You can find all important news stories, headlines, news photos and videos about Libya. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.CNN's Nathan Hodge and Ryan Browne contributed to this report.Forces loyal to Libya's UN-recognized government parade a Russian-made Pantsir air defense system truck in Tripoli on May 20, after its capture from forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar at al Watiya airbase. The UN deputy special envoy for Libya, Stephanie Williams, has A recent UN report accused Jordan, Turkey and the UAE of routinely and sometimes blatantly supplying weapons to their clients in Libya, “employing little effort to disguise the source”. Breaking News.