Reuters said on Friday that Russian cargo plane departed from Russia’s air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia for Libya on Saturday, citing a Syrian security official stationed outside the facility. This happened following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad last weekend.
The official told Reuters that additional Russian departures from the Hmeimim air base in Syria’s coastal Latakia province were expected in the coming days.
“Increased activity has been observed at the air base throughout the day. In addition to the departing cargo plane, an Ilyushin II-76 cargo plane and an Alligator helicopter were seen landing at the base.” The report indicated.
On Friday, satellite images showed Russia moving military equipment at Hmeimim air base, with two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes visible.
Russia has boots on the ground in different areas in eastern Libya – under the supervision of Khalifa Haftar and his sons – and reports indicate that Russian operatives, likely Wagner Group mercenaries, are based in Al-Jufra Airbase.
