Radio France Internationale (RFI) said the aim of the entry of Russian mercenaries to Sharara oilfield and other oil facilities in Libya is to ensure crude production and exports can’t be resumed.
RFI reported sources, without naming them, that using Wagner Group mercenaries, Russia won’t allow Libyan oil sector to reopen until negotiations for its cut from the Libyan oil are settled, in addition to its attempts to undermine Turkish influence in Libya.
Radio France Internationale said as well that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries had set up positions in farms three kilometers away from Sharara oilfield to protect the groups inside the field – Tuareg tribesmen.
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Libyan Army under the command of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Mohammed Gununu said liberation of Sirte and Jufra as well as oilfields from Wagner Group mercenaries and Haftar’s militias is very necessary.
Gununu said in a press briefing that Russian mercenaries and local criminal gangs are occupying Sirte and Jufra as well as oilfields, adding that they will chase them away until the cities are liberated whether peacefully or by force.
He also blamed the presence of Russian, African and Syrian mercenaries and their control over oilfields on the Libyan parties which supported rebels and putschists.
“We also blame Arab and foreign countries that supported mercenaries and brought them here. They are now trying to protect them by making the areas they are positioned in red lines”. Gununu said, adding that it’s unacceptable to speak about a ceasefire now when foreign mercenaries are occupying Sirte, Jufra and oilfields.
“Sirte is now a hub for foreign mercenaries of Russian Wagner Group and Syria as well as local criminals who are wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. They resorted to Sirte after being kicked out of Tarhouna and southern Tripoli.” Gununu remarked.
He also said that Russian mercenaries are based in the airbases of Sirte and Jufra and are using them to expand to control oilfields.
Al-Mishri and Takala: Presidency of HCS is still unresolved
Khalid Al-Mishri said he had temporarily suspended work as the “Head of High Council of State (HCS)” to comply with Al-Sawani Court’s ruling awaiting the
