According to information published by Trimv on April 13, 2024, a Russian Navy's Ropucha class (Project 775) landing ship was spotted in Tobruk, Libya. This city is in the hands of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who is close to Moscow.
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Russian Ropucha class landing ship in Tobruk. (Picture source: Trimv)
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been a battleground for influence among various external actors, including Russia, which sees Libya as a critical point for expanding its influence across the Mediterranean and Africa.
Wagner Group and Military Deployment
Central to Russia's involvement in Libya is the Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to the Kremlin. Since at least 2019, Wagner has been actively engaged in Libya, supporting the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar.
This support includes direct combat roles, logistical assistance, and the deployment of advanced military equipment such as fighter jets and anti-aircraft systems. The Wagner Group has been instrumental in key military campaigns, including the assault on Tripoli, although they have faced significant resistance from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and its Turkish-supported forces.
Strategic Military Bases
Russia has leveraged key airbases such as Al Jufra and Al Khadim, enhancing its capability to project military power within the region. These bases are crucial for supporting LNA operations and have been expanded to accommodate advanced aircraft and military assets. This deployment not only supports Wagner and LNA forces but also establishes a more permanent Russian presence in North Africa.
