Leaked documents reveal Russia’s use of its ghost fleet to send military supplies to Khalifa Haftar in Libya, utilizing tactics to evade detection under an arms embargo. The involvement highlights Moscow’s growing influence in North Africa and poses security challenges for Europe, as Western nations grapple with countering this presence.
Recent leaked documents reveal that Russia is leveraging its “ghost fleet”—a network of aging commercial vessels with concealed ownership—to transport military supplies to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar. Notably, the Cameroonian cargo ship, Barbaros, was found to be carrying Russian-manufactured trucks en route to Tobruk. These vessels utilize sophisticated techniques, such as manipulating their Automatic Identification System (AIS), to evade detection while sending military equipment in violation of an international arms embargo.
Observations during the ship’s transit through the Bosphorus Strait led to increased scrutiny by law enforcement agencies, particularly those involved in Operation Irini, which aims to monitor and prevent arms shipments to Libya. The leaked documents indicate longstanding concerns in Europe about Russia’s expanding influence in Libya, perceived as part of a broader strategy for military projection in the Mediterranean and Africa. Operations by these ghost ships adapt by manipulating registration details and locations to appear compliant with maritime rules.
The barbaros was boarded on May 1, 2024, revealing 115 trucks typically used by militaries; however, these were not specifically modified for combat, thus falling outside the arms embargo’s restrictions. This shipment was still seen as indicative of a growing militarization trend in the region. Over the past decade, Russia has steadily backed Haftar with financial and military support, despite ongoing allegations of human rights violations against his forces reported by the United Nations and Amnesty International.
Despite his controversial status, Western engagement with Haftar continues. For instance, U.S. military leaders recently met with him, raising concerns regarding strategic negligence in addressing the implications of Haftar’s regime and Russia’s involvement. As noted by EU representatives, a potent Russian presence in eastern Libya has prompted discussions about intensifying European engagement in the region to counter Moscow’s influence.
Anas El Gomati, of the Sadeq Institute, emphasized that Russia’s foothold in Libya allows it to control key migration routes to Europe while serving as a vital military hub. Furthermore, European officials acknowledged that Russia’s intervention poses a growing security threat to Europe, following a significant uptick in military activities by Russia in Libya since early 2024. Reports indicate a formalized Russian military presence in recent months, including aircraft transporting troops from Syria to Libya, enhancing their military capabilities there.
Russia’s strategic use of its ghost fleet to supply military equipment to Libyan factions highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Mediterranean. The implications are particularly significant as they undermine international sanctions and elevate security concerns for Europe, given Libya’s role as a migration route. As Western nations, including the U.S. and EU, grapple with how to engage with Haftar and counter Russian influence, further military presence in Libya is anticipated, complicating regional stability and security dynamics.
Original Source: www.icij.org
