US: Russia, Wagner continue military involvement in Libya

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said Friday it “has mounting evidence that Russia, through the Wagner Group, continues to position military equipment in Libya capable of conducting kinetic operations there”. 

AFRICOM said in a statement that overhead imagery shows Wagner forces and equipment on the frontlines of the Libyan conflict in Sirte.

“Russia continues to play an unhelpful role in Libya by delivering supplies and equipment to the Wagner group,” said the director of operations Bradford Gering, adding that imagery continues to unmask their consistent denials.

“It is assessed that the Russian Federation continues to violate U.N. Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1970 by actively providing military equipment and fighters to the front lines of the conflict in Libya.”

“It is assessed that the Russian Federation continues to violate UN Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1970 by actively providing military equipment and fighters to the front lines of the conflict in Libya.” The US AFRICOM added.

It said that the latest imagery details the extent of equipment being supplied to Wagner. Russian military cargo aircraft, including IL-76s, continue to supply Wagner fighters. Russian air defense equipment, including SA-22s, are present in Libya and operated by Russia, the Wagner Group or their proxies.

“Photos also show Wagner utility trucks and Russian mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored vehicles are also present in Libya.” AFRICOM added.

According to he director of operations Bradford Gering, the type and volume of equipment demonstrates an intent toward sustained offensive combat action capabilities, not humanitarian relief, and indicates the Russian Ministry of Defense is supporting these operations.

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